DATAR PERKIM Hostel
Darul Aitam Wal Masakin Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hostel (DATAR)
In 1990, the late Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj wrote a special letter to the then chairman of PERKIM Kedah, Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Haji Shafie Abdullah, granting permission for the construction of an orphanage and shelter for the poor on his land located at Lorong Sei, Lot No. 2370–2390 (1475, Lorong Seri).
The late Tunku Abdul Rahman personally laid the foundation stone for the project on March 16, 1990. The building was completed and began operations in 1993, and was officially opened by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on January 23, 1994, during his tenure as Prime Minister.
In recognition of the noble sacrifice and generosity of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the orphanage was named Darul Aitam Wal Masakin Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, commonly known as DATAR.
The facility comprises dormitory buildings, classrooms, administrative offices, a surau, a hall and a playground. The children residing at DATAR attend schools in and around Alor Setar. The hostel is managed by PERKIM Kedah.
DATAR is able to accommodate between 40 and 50 residents at any one time. To date, a total of 147 children have been admitted and nurtured at the institution. Admission is limited to children from underprivileged families, beginning from the age of nine.
Of these, 30 orphans have successfully pursued tertiary education at public and private institutions of higher learning, with 21 having graduated in fields such as engineering, information technology and management. Those who were less academically inclined were channelled into skills-based and vocational training programmes.
In addition, PERKIM also provides assistance to underprivileged orphans who continue to live with their mothers or guardians under the Out-of-Hostel Orphan Assistance Scheme. As of 2007, 14 orphans were still receiving support under this scheme. Notably, two beneficiaries have successfully completed their studies at overseas higher education institutions.
Asrama Darul Aitam Walmasakin
No. 1475, Lorong Seri, Jalan Langgar,
05300, Alor Star,
Kedah Darul Aman
Tel: 04-733 5142 Fax: 04-733 2349
Orphans’ Dormitory.
Orphans’ Dining Hall
DATAR Orphans’ Hall
Musolla Usmani, the Orphans’ Prayer Hall