PENANG, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) organised a Street Dakwah programme aimed at engaging with non-Muslim communities at Batu Feringghi Beach here this evening.
The initiative, supported by the Penang State PERKIM branch, brought together 18 participants including students from the Universiti Sains Malaysia PERKIM Club (KPU USM).
Among the prominent figures who joined the outreach were Penang State PERKIM Chairman, Dr Amin Malik Shah Abdul Majid; PERKIM National Chief Executive Officer, Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad; PERKIM Senior Dakwah Executive, Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin; and Penang PERKIM Honorary Treasurer, Abdul Fattah Mohamed Abbu Bakar. They personally engaged with tourists and non-Muslim visitors at the popular beach.
Programme coordinator, Nur Syahirah Musa said the Street Dakwah focused on approaching non-Muslims who frequently visit tourist hotspots such as Batu Feringghi. The location, she explained, is not only a popular holiday destination but also a cultural melting pot, making it an ideal ground for open, inclusive, and relaxed dakwah activities.
She added that the main objective was to highlight Islam’s universal values of peace, tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect.
“Through this programme, we reach out with wisdom, not coercion offering smiles, friendly greetings, and constructive dialogue. What matters most is that they witness Islam as a faith with a universal message that resonates with all of humanity,” she said.
Nur Syahirah further noted that the programme also served as a training platform for KPU USM students and young volunteers to gain first-hand experience in community outreach, develop self-confidence, and deepen their understanding of Malaysia’s diverse society.
Another key goal, she explained, was to correct misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam often perpetuated by inaccurate information on social media or foreign sources. By allowing direct conversations with trained preachers, the public could seek clarity and accurate explanations.
“This programme demonstrates PERKIM’s commitment to remaining relevant in its dakwah approach, adapting to contemporary needs. We cannot simply wait for people to come to us; instead, we must reach out to them with love and respect just as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified,” she said.
Before proceeding to the beach, all participants gathered at the Penang State PERKIM headquarters in Sungai Nibong for a briefing session conducted by PERKIM Dakwah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah. He reminded volunteers to embody wisdom, patience, and kindness in their words and actions, while refraining from imposing religious messages.
Following a 30-minute journey to Batu Feringghi, participants assembled at Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahman, which served as the programme’s meeting point. Prior to the outreach, Dato’ Haji Razali delivered a short address, stressing the importance of sincerity in dakwah and urging participants to represent Islam with exemplary character.
The choice of Batu Feringghi was strategic, as the beach remains one of Penang’s top tourist attractions, drawing both locals and foreign visitors. This provided volunteers with a unique opportunity to engage with non-Muslims in a warm, informal setting.
In addition to distributing brochures, umbrellas, roses, chocolates, and survey forms packed in exclusive PERKIM gift bags, volunteers also held one-on-one conversations with beachgoers. Among the approaches used was introducing Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in conjunction with the commemoration of Maulidur Rasul. The surveys helped assess non-Muslims’ level of awareness about the Prophet while creating opportunities for friendly discussions about his merciful character.
The presence of senior PERKIM leaders not only boosted the morale of the young volunteers but also reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring dakwah efforts are carried out comprehensively.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Amin Malik Shah said the programme should be expanded as it successfully fostered positive interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Field dakwah of this kind is vital as it allows us to communicate Islam’s message directly to those who may never have had the chance to learn about it. This way, we can portray the true face of Islam as a faith of mercy for all,” he said.
According to Nur Syahirah, the overwhelmingly positive response proved that non-Muslims are, in fact, open to learning about Islam when approached in the right manner. She said the volunteers’ friendly and respectful conduct helped create a comfortable and harmonious atmosphere for dialogue.
“Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging. Some were simply curious, while others expressed genuine interest in learning more about Islam. Most importantly, we managed to break communication barriers and open doors to mutual understanding,” she explained.
She expressed optimism that similar programmes should be conducted regularly, not only at tourist hotspots but also in residential and urban areas with large non-Muslim communities.
Also present were programme secretariat members Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong, Siti Nasyrah Rosli, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi, Umi Musfirah Abdul Ghani, Nur Syahira Ismail and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar.
The Street Dakwah PERKIM secretariat and volunteers gathered at the Penang State PERKIM office for a briefing.
Ustaz Farhan Tee delivering a briefing to the Street Dakwah secretariat and volunteers.
Tourists and non-Muslims receiving special souvenir bags from PERKIM.
Dr Amin Malik listening to suggestions and feedback from KPU USM students.
The Street Dakwah secretariat assembling at Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahman Batu Feringghi before proceeding to the beach.
Programme secretariat members displaying the souvenirs to be distributed.
PERKIM volunteers introducing Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during their engagement with non-Muslims
Azrol presenting a souvenir bag to a non-Muslim after they learned about Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Ustaz Farhan Tee handing out a souvenir bag while Nur Syahirah explains to non-Muslims about the birth month of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Ustaz Sulaiman Ding presenting a souvenir bag to a tourist from China.
Foreign tourists showing interest in answering questions from PERKIM’s secretariat and volunteers while being presented with souvenir bags.
PERKIM CEO, Dr Suariza, handing a souvenir bag to a foreign tourist while engaging in conversation and sharing dakwah messages.
A non-Muslim happily receiving a souvenir bag from Ustaz Sulaiman Ding.
A non-Muslim answering several questions before being presented with a PERKIM souvenir bag by Ustaz Farhan Tee.
Syahira Ismail meeting and presenting a souvenir bag to a non-Muslim family.
Penang PERKIM leadership posing for a group photo with the secretariat at the conclusion of the Street Dakwah programme.
