Mahabbah Programme Strengthens Unity Among Multi-Ethnic Indian Community in Kampung Sungai Puntar
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
SUNGAI PETANI, JUNE 27, 2026 — The spirit of unity, compassion and racial harmony was further strengthened through the Mahabbah Programme for the Multi-Ethnic Indian Community of Kampung Sungai Puntar, Bedong, which brought together more than 120 local residents in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual respect and goodwill.
The three-day programme was jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), in collaboration with PERKIM Kedah State Division, PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch and the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Indian Muslim Converts’ Welfare and Da’wah Association (Al-Hidayah).
Programme coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah said the initiative featured a wide range of community-based activities, including a gotong-royong (community clean-up), welfare visits to residents, traditional games, a Harmony Dialogue, the presentation of contributions and a community engagement session with villagers.
He said the programme demonstrated that a da’wah approach founded on compassion, humanitarian values and social welfare could serve as an effective platform for fostering understanding among people of different ethnic backgrounds while reinforcing national unity and social cohesion.
A key highlight of the programme was the Harmony Dialogue delivered by Al-Hidayah National Adviser, Ustaz Haji Mohd. Naim Islam Abdullah, who captivated participants with his reflections on history, humanity, education and character-building.
In his address, he recalled the conditions of Arab society during the pre-Islamic era, when widespread ignorance had led to various forms of oppression, including the practice of burying infant girls alive due to misconceptions about the value of human life.
He also shared a moving account of a baby who survived an attempted killing, was raised by another family and eventually became a medical doctor.
The story took an emotional turn when the doctor later discovered that the person who had once tried to end his life was, in fact, his biological father.
According to Ustaz Naim Islam, the story illustrates that every individual possesses inherent dignity and immense potential in the eyes of Allah, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth.
Drawing from his own experience, he spoke about growing up in a rubber estate as the son of an Indian family with Tamil and Telugu heritage.
He said life on the estate had instilled resilience, strong family values and a deep appreciation for education.
“Our parents always hoped that education would enable the younger generation to improve their lives and break the cycle of dependence on estate labour,” he said.
“Education remains the key that opens doors to a brighter future.”
Participants were later invited to share their own memories of growing up on plantations before taking part in an interactive question-and-answer session and quiz moderated by Al-Hidayah Kedah treasurer Ustazah Nurasiqin Abdullah.
Winners of the quiz received tokens of appreciation presented by Al-Hidayah National Deputy Chairman Ustaz Haji Muhammad Rafee Rahman.
The closing ceremony, emceed by PERKIM National secretariat member Fatin Akmal Aksah, began with the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku, led by village children, followed by the recital of the Kampung Sungai Puntar Children’s Pledge.
In his officiating speech, PERKIM Kedah Chairman, Dato’ Haji Abd. Rahman Ismail described the programme as a manifestation of dakwah bil hikmah—the principle of inviting others through wisdom and good counsel—which has long guided PERKIM’s engagement with Malaysia’s diverse communities.
He said Islam encourages its followers to interact with people from all walks of life with wisdom, courtesy and exemplary character.
“The Mahabbah Programme is more than just a gathering. It serves as a bridge of understanding that strengthens human relationships while nurturing compassion, mutual respect and the spirit of community living,” he said.
Dato’ Abd. Rahman also expressed his delight at the enthusiastic participation of the Indian community, describing it as evidence that the values of unity and fraternity remain deeply rooted among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, PERKIM National Administrative Director, Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, representing the organisation’s Honorary Secretary-General, expressed appreciation to the residents of Kampung Sungai Puntar for their warm hospitality and cooperation throughout the programme.
She said the concept of mahabbah championed by PERKIM emphasises compassion, harmony and mutual respect among all races as the foundation of a peaceful and united nation.
Kampung Sungai Puntar Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman Mohan Raja Perumal described the programme as an ideal platform for strengthening neighbourhood ties and fostering community spirit.
He said activities such as the gotong-royong, traditional games and welfare visits, which involved participants from various segments of the community, had successfully created a warm atmosphere of goodwill while strengthening relationships among residents.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr Suariza presented PERKIM commemorative plaques to Mohan Raja, Ustaz Naim Islam, Sungai Puntar Estate Tamil Primary School (SJK(T)) Parents and Teachers Association chairman Sugumaran Samy, and Sungai Puntar Estate village head Anbalagan Virasamy in appreciation of their support and cooperation.
Dato’ Abd. Rahman also presented hampers to winners of the traditional games competition, which featured activities such as eating apples without using hands, jasmine garland tying, musical chairs, coconut bowling, searching for sweets in flour, kolam decoration and the traditional pukul belanga game.
As a gesture of appreciation, villagers welcomed the distinguished guests by presenting flower garlands to Dr Suariza, Dato’ Abd. Rahman and Ustaz Naim Islam before the programme concluded with a group photography session and a luncheon featuring biryani rice, chicken curry, mutton curry, stir-fried cabbage and dadih.
Among those present were PERKIM National Deputy Executive (Finance) Azura Abdul Rahman; Assistant Executive (Da’wah I) Ustaz Haji Amran Anbarasu Abdullah; Assistant Executive (Da’wah II) Ustazah Siti Fatimah Ladda Abdullah; and Muhamad Fardly Johan.
Also in attendance were PERKIM Kedah deputy executive Hazirah Azmi; PERKIM Kedah administrative assistant Akmal Azram Abu Zarim; Al-Hidayah Kedah secretary Ustaz Mohd. Firdaus Abdullah; PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch chairman Ustaz Imron Kochem Haji Ahmad; assistant secretary Ustazah Juhana Halimah Johari; committee members; and industrial training students attached to the branch.
Villagers of Kampung Sungai Puntar register for the programme.
Ustaz Naim Islam shares his personal journey of growing up on a rubber estate as the son of an Indian family with Tamil and Telugu heritage.
More than 100 villagers attend the Harmony Dialogue delivered by Ustaz Naim Islam.
Ustaz Naim Islam engages village children by encouraging them to share their aspirations and future ambitions.
Villagers listen attentively to the talk delivered during the programme.
“Education is the key that opens opportunities for the younger generation to build a better future,” says Ustaz Naim Islam.
Ustaz Naim Islam recounts how life on the rubber estate shaped his resilience, strengthened family values and nurtured his passion for learning.
The interactive question-and-answer session and quiz are moderated by Al-Hidayah Kedah Treasurer, Ustazah Nurasiqin Abdullah.
Participants raise their hands to answer questions during the interactive quiz.
A villager responds to a question during the interactive quiz session.
Ustaz Naim Islam hands the microphone to a villager to hear the participant’s response.
Fatin Akmal serves as master of ceremonies for the programme’s closing ceremony.
Distinguished guests at the closing ceremony of the Mahabbah Programme for the Multi-Ethnic Indian Community of Kampung Sungai Puntar.
Children of Kampung Sungai Puntar recite the community pledge before the audience.
Mohan Raja describes the programme as an ideal platform for strengthening neighbourhood ties and fostering community spirit.
Dr Suariza explains that PERKIM’s concept of mahabbah emphasises compassion, harmony and mutual respect among people of all races.
“The Mahabbah Programme is more than just a gathering. It serves as a bridge of understanding that strengthens human relationships,” says Dato’ Haji Abd. Rahman during his officiating address.
Dr Suariza presents a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Mohan Raja.
Chairman of the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG) of SJK(T) Ladang Sungai Puntar, Sugumaran Samy, receives a PERKIM commemorative plaque from Dr Suariza.
Dr Suariza presents a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Sungai Puntar Estate village head Anbalagan Virasamy in appreciation of his support and cooperation.
Dato’ Abd. Rahman presents a hamper to the winner of the “Eat an Apple Without Using Your Hands” competition.
The winner of the Jasmine Garland Tying competition receives a hamper from Dato’ Abd. Rahman.
A village youth receives a hamper after winning the Musical Chairs competition.
Winners of the women’s Musical Chairs competition.
The Coconut Bowling champion receives a hamper from PERKIM Kedah chairman Dato’ Abd. Rahman.
Children who won the “Find the Sweets in Flour” competition.
A child receives a prize from Dato’ Abd. Rahman after winning the Poison Balloon game.
The women’s team that emerged champions in the kolam decoration competition.
As a gesture of appreciation, villagers present Dr Suariza with a ceremonial shawl and flower garlands.
Mohan Raja presents a flower garland to Dato’ Abd. Rahman as a symbol of respect and appreciation.
Ustaz Naim Islam is honoured with a ceremonial shawl and flower garland by Mohan Raja.
Distinguished guests and villagers pose for a commemorative group photograph at the conclusion of the programme.
Villagers enjoy the lunch prepared for the event.
PVillagers savour a traditional lunch of biryani rice, chicken curry and mutton curry.
Ustaz Naim Islam, Ustaz Amran, Ustaz Imron Kochem and Ustaz Jais Mariappan enjoy a meal of biryani with Mohan Raja, Anbalagan and fellow villagers.
