PERKIM Strengthens Harmonious Ties with the Portuguese Community Through Mahabbah Programme
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
MELAKA, JULY 11, 2026 – The spirit of unity, togetherness and harmony among Malaysia’s multicultural society was further reinforced when the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), organised the Mahabbah Programme for the Portuguese Multiracial Community at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir here today.
The programme, held with the cooperation of PERKIM Melaka State Division and PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch, featured a series of activities including community clean-up efforts, welfare visits and recreational games involving local residents of all ages.
Despite heavy rainfall since early morning, the programme proceeded successfully, driven by the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers and members of the local community.
The clean-up activity, originally scheduled to begin at 9am, was delayed due to adverse weather conditions before commencing at approximately 10.30am at the SUK Flats, Block B, Portuguese Settlement.
Participants worked hand in hand to clean the surrounding areas, corridors, stairways, waste disposal sites and Surau Ar-Rasul at the SUK Flats in Ujong Pasir.
The effort included sweeping, floor washing, the use of high-pressure water jet equipment and grass-cutting works around the Ujong Pasir Open Hall compound.
Programme Coordinator, Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah said the initiative formed part of PERKIM’s and MAIWP’s ongoing efforts to promote humanitarian values, social cohesion and harmonious relations among people of different races and faiths.
According to him, in addition to the clean-up programme, organisers also conducted a ziarah mahabbah session involving 50 Portuguese families residing around SUK Flats Block B and the Portuguese Settlement residential area.
“This programme provides us with an opportunity to engage more closely with the local community and gain a better understanding of their lives. Although the weather was unfavourable in the morning, the commitment shown by volunteers and residents in ensuring the success of the programme was truly commendable.
“During the welfare visits, we distributed food baskets, daily necessities and cleaning supplies to 50 families comprising senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), individuals with chronic illnesses and families requiring assistance,” said Farhan, who serves as a Da’wah Executive at PERKIM National.
He added that the warm reception received from the Portuguese community reflected the strong relationship that has been fostered between PERKIM and the local residents.
Meanwhile, Ujong Pasir Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Ignitius Gerald Danker, together with PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch committee member Muhammad Haikal James, served as guides throughout the house-to-house visitation programme.
They assisted in introducing volunteers to residents, distributing food baskets and inviting families to attend the Harmony Dialogue Programme, which was also part of the Mahabbah Programme for the Portuguese Multiracial Community.
PERKIM Melaka State Division Executive, Muhammad Haziq Abdullah Thani described the programme as an effective platform for strengthening ties among people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“Through activities such as community service, welfare visits and recreational games, we are able to build closer relationships with the Portuguese community in Ujong Pasir. The presence and participation of all parties today clearly demonstrate that the spirit of unity and harmony remains strong within our society,” he said.
He added that the programme also provided participants with opportunities to exchange views, share experiences and establish stronger friendships.
PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch Women’s Secretary, Awami Abdullah expressed gratitude that the programme proceeded smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.
She said the encouraging response from residents of the Portuguese Settlement reflected their positive reception towards the efforts undertaken by PERKIM and MAIWP.
“The residents warmly welcomed our presence and greatly appreciated the assistance provided. Programmes such as this not only benefit recipients but also strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding among people of different races and religions,” she said.
The atmosphere became even livelier in the afternoon when a variety of recreational games were held at the Ujong Pasir Open Hall, attracting participation from children, youths and parents.
Among the activities organised were the poison balloon challenge, balloon-blowing competition, candy hunt in flour and musical balloons, all of which created a cheerful atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Industrial Trainee attached to PERKIM National, Ummul Murshida Mat Shuqi, said her involvement in the welfare visits provided valuable insight into the lives of the Portuguese community.
“The programme gave us the opportunity to interact directly with residents, listen to their life stories and better understand the challenges they face. It was a meaningful experience that helped cultivate empathy and social awareness,” she said.
Another USIM industrial trainee, Nurul ‘Izzah Salimi, said the community clean-up and recreational activities successfully fostered a friendly atmosphere while strengthening relationships between volunteers and villagers.
“Activities like these enable people to work together in a relaxed and harmonious environment. They not only improve the surroundings but also serve as an effective platform for strengthening community ties,” she said.
Representing PERKIM National were Deputy Executive of Finance II, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi; Deputy Executive of Administration, Hashimah Hashim and Administrative Assistant Fatin Akmal Aksah.
Also present were Deputy Executive of PERKIM Melaka State Division, Muhammad Shahril Abdul Rahman; General Assistant, Mohd Zafran Jabbar; PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch Chairman, Cikgu Hasni Dolmat, Women’s Chief, Rafedah Othman and a team of volunteers who contributed to the programme’s success.
The Mahabbah Programme for the Portuguese Multiracial Community demonstrated the continued commitment of PERKIM and MAIWP in fostering harmonious inter-communal relations through welfare initiatives, community engagement and da’wah bil hal, a practical approach to outreach that resonates with and benefits the local community.
Farhan Tee, together with representatives from PERKIM Melaka and PERKIM Ujong Pasir, carries food aid packs during a welfare visit to local residents.
Villagers and volunteers work together to clean the corridors of Block B, SUK Ujong Pasir Flats.
The cleaned floor is rinsed using brooms and water.
‘Izzah takes the opportunity to clean the floor of Block B after it has been washed.
Representatives from PERKIM National, PERKIM Melaka, PERKIM Ujong Pasir and local residents pose for a group photograph following the completion of the community clean-up programme.
The delegation visits the home of Ismail Nonice and presents a food aid pack at Block B Flats.
Farhan Tee and members of the organising committee present a food aid pack to local resident Moses Endricks.
Wihemina Marsh receives a visit from the PERKIM delegation and is presented with a food aid pack sponsored by MAIWP.
The PERKIM delegation visits Dirathy Santa Maria and presents her with a food aid pack.
A Portuguese community resident receives a welfare visit from the PERKIM delegation and is presented with a food aid pack.
Royce Leofarnell, who is recovering from a stroke, receives a welfare visit and food assistance from Haziq and Azrol.
Participants enjoy the lively “Poison Balloon” game during the recreational activities.
The “Candy Hunt in Flour” challenge proves to be one of the most popular games among village children.
Children display flour-covered faces after taking part in the “Candy Hunt in Flour” competition.
PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch Chairman, Cikgu Hasni Dolmat, together with committee members and volunteers who contributed to the success of the programme.
Children enthusiastically inflate balloons during the “Burst the Balloon” competition.
The Musical Balloons game marks the final recreational activity participated in by villagers and programme organisers.
