KUALA LUMPUR, March 18, 2026 – In a continued effort to safeguard the welfare of new Muslim converts ahead of Syawal, the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) maintained its commitment to social responsibility through the Aidilfitri Assistance Presentation Ceremony 1447H, held at the Level 1 Seminar Hall, PERKIM Building, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, here today.
The event, which began at 11am, saw 100 recipients comprising converts from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Iban, Kadazan, Bidayuh and Murut communities, receiving contributions to assist in their preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Proceedings commenced with opening remarks by master of ceremonies and PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Nur Syahirah Musa, followed by a doa recitation led by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah.
PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, in his address, said the initiative reflects PERKIM’s ongoing efforts to support and empower converts, particularly as they navigate the challenges of life after embracing Islam.
He said the assistance extended goes beyond financial aid, aiming instead to instil a sense of belonging, compassion and familial spirit within the convert community, especially during the festive season.
He added that 100 recipients were selected from over 300 applications received, with the selection process carried out carefully and fairly by a panel of eight officers through collective deliberation and unanimous agreement.
“This annual initiative seeks to ease the burden of converts in preparing for Aidilfitri, particularly in light of the rising cost of living,” he said.
Ustaz Farhan Tee noted that only the most deserving applicants were chosen, taking into account factors such as financial hardship, health conditions and family responsibilities.
He also apologised to unsuccessful applicants, explaining that assistance was limited and prioritised to ensure wider distribution, including restricting eligibility to one representative per household.
“Assistance for recipients who were unable to attend today will still be channelled through alternative means to ensure they are not left out,” he added.
At the same time, he encouraged converts who would not be returning to their hometowns to attend Aidilfitri prayers at Surau PERKIM and celebrate the occasion modestly through communal gatherings and duit raya distribution for children.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to all attendees and extending Aidilfitri greetings, while seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings in the management of the programme.
The ceremony was further enlivened by the presentation of Aidilfitri tokens to the 100 recipients by PERKIM National Administrative Director Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, accompanied by Administrative Executive Ahmad Hasaidi Ahmad, Finance Executive Mohd Aizat Rosli and Ustaz Farhan Tee.
Recipients also received a box of dates and beverages sponsored by PERKIM Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, complementing the festive assistance.
Dr Suariza also took the opportunity to present Aidilfitri tokens to security personnel and cleaning staff in appreciation of their services, before the event concluded with a group photography session.
An Indian convert checks his name on the registration form before signing.
Programme secretariat members make final preparations for the Aidilfitri Assistance Ceremony 1447H at the PERKIM Building.
Nur Syahirah opens the event as master of ceremonies with her welcoming remarks.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan leads the opening doa recitation.
PERKIM National executives and converts raise their hands in prayer during the doa.
Converts respond with “amin” to the doa led by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.
According to Ustaz Farhan Tee, the programme is part of PERKIM’s continuous efforts to support and uplift the welfare of converts ahead of Aidilfitri.
Ustaz Farhan Tee adds that the assistance is an annual PERKIM initiative aimed at easing the burden of converts in celebrating Aidilfitri.
Converts listen attentively to the address delivered by the PERKIM National Da’wah Executive.
An Indian convert receives duit raya from Dr Suariza.
Dr Suariza presents duit raya assistance to a Chinese convert.
A visually impaired Chinese convert (person with disabilities) also receives duit raya from Dr Suariza.
Dr Suariza, accompanied by Ahmad Hasaidi and Ustaz Farhan Tee, presents Aidilfitri tokens to an Indian convert.
Ustaz Farhan Tee takes the opportunity to present duit raya to an Indian convert.
Dr Suariza, accompanied by Aizat Rosli, also presents duit raya to a security guard.
Cleaning staff also receive duit raya from Dr Suariza.
PERKIM National executives and programme secretariat members pose for a group photograph with the converts at the end of the event.
Security personnel and cleaning staff take the opportunity to pose for photographs with PERKIM National Administrative Director Dr Suariza.
PERKIM secretariat members and staff take part in a freestyle photo session at the conclusion of the programme.
