PERKIM Strengthens Interracial Harmony Through Gotong-Royong at Inovasi Cerdik Kindergarten

📷: FATIN AKMAL AKSAH

SUNGAI SIPUT, 17 OCTOBER 2025 – In conjunction with the Deepavali celebration observed by the Indian community across the nation, the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters took a proactive initiative today by organising a community service programme in the form of a gotong-royong (communal clean-up) at Kampung Karudda, Sungai Siput, Perak.

The programme, centred on the spirit of unity and solidarity, was held at the Inovasi Cerdik Kindergarten, Sungai Karudda Estate, and saw the participation of volunteers from PERKIM National and representatives from the Perak Islamic Information Organisation.

According to Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, the initiative aimed to cultivate the value of unity, engage with communities from diverse backgrounds, and share the festive joy with local residents.

He explained that the Deepavali celebration, which will soon be observed by the Indian community, is not merely a festival of lights but a meaningful symbol of hope and goodness.

“Through activities such as gotong-royong, home visits and the distribution of contributions, we aim to convey the message that Islam upholds the values of love, compassion, and togetherness beyond all differences,” he said.

Ustaz Jais added that such activities not only ignite the volunteer spirit among PERKIM members but also act as a bridge to strengthen unity between people of various religions and ethnic backgrounds, particularly in rural communities.

Yesterday, the PERKIM National delegation travelled to Sungai Siput for a preliminary coordination session with the Kuala Kangsar District Islamic Missionary (Mubaligh Islam) and Chairman of the Perak Islamic Information Organisation (PIIN Perak), Ustaz Mohamad Noor PK Osman, to finalise plans for the programme.

The meeting outlined the main activities, including the clean-up schedule, donation distribution, and the selection of the Inovasi Cerdik Kindergarten as the central venue for the event.

On Friday morning, participants gathered at the PIIN Perak office for breakfast and a briefing before departing for Kampung Karudda at 10.30 a.m. The delegation arrived around 11.00 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by Kampung Karudda Community Leader, Pandian Krishnan, who shared brief insights into the village’s demographics and the community’s current needs.

The gotong-royong began with cleaning and reorganising the kindergarten’s premises. Among the key tasks were tidying up classrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning windows, and rearranging learning areas to create a more conducive environment for the village children.

PERKIM National also donated several essential items to support the kindergarten’s daily operations, including student chairs, dish racks, cleaning tools, buckets, and other basic supplies.

Head Teacher of Inovasi Cerdik Kindergarten, Cikgu Thanalachumi Suppayah, who actively participated throughout the programme, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for PERKIM’s concern and generosity.

“We are deeply thankful for PERKIM’s contribution and effort. This assistance means so much as it allows our students to learn in a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable environment,” she said emotionally.

The event also received strong support from PERKIM Perak volunteers who joined forces with the national team. Among those present were Muhammad Hani Waran G. Ratnasamy, Perak PERKIM Administrative Assistant; Ustaz Mohd Firdaus Shahrudin, Chairman of PERKIM Batu Gajah Branch; Tun Muhammad Aqil Amiruddin, Deputy II Chairman of PERKIM Youth Batu Gajah Branch; Nor Farhana Ramlan, Honorary Secretary of PERKIM Youth Batu Gajah; and Muhammad Adam, Chairman of Kampung Polah Youth, Ipoh.

Also assisting in the coordination of the event were members of the PERKIM National Secretariat — Rohaiza Mohamed Tan, Azura Abdul Rahman, Fatin Akmal Aksah, and Mohamad Fardly Johan — who ensured the smooth execution of all activities.

Participants worked together in high spirits, cleaning and arranging the kindergarten facilities while warmly engaging with the local community, which comprises residents from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

The gotong-royong served as an effective platform to foster inter-ethnic goodwill and demonstrated PERKIM’s commitment to strengthening ties between Muslims and non-Muslims through meaningful community engagement.

According to Ustaz Muhammad Jais, the initiative reflects PERKIM’s aspiration to reach out to the public through the “Dakwah Bil Hal” approach, spreading the message of Islam through action and good deeds.

“We want the community to view Islam as a faith that encourages cleanliness, compassion, and social responsibility. This is the essence we strive to convey through every programme we conduct,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved, including the local community, kindergarten staff, and volunteers.

“Without strong cooperation and a spirit of mutual help, such efforts would not be possible. May the bonds we have built today continue to grow for the benefit of all,” he said.

The half-day programme concluded with a group photography session and the presentation of souvenirs to the kindergarten as a gesture of appreciation for their support and hospitality.

With the unity and compassion showcased through this gotong-royong, PERKIM once again reaffirmed that care for the community transcends boundaries of race and religion.

The PERKIM National and PERKIM Perak secretariat teams carried out a gotong-royong (communal clean-up) at Inovasi Cerdik Kindergarten, Kampung Krudda.

Hani Waran and Rohaiza cleaned the kindergarten’s windows and classroom area.

Cikgu Thanalachumi Suppayah expressed her gratitude to Ustaz Jais and his team for their time, effort, and dedicated service..

Fardly and Azura rearranged the shoe racks after cleaning the area outside the classroom.

Ustaz Jais and the volunteers washed the dusty kindergarten windows.

Fardly and Fatin Akmal disposed of damaged items and rubbish into the designated bins.