PERKIM Gotong-Royong Strengthens Mahabbah Spirit with Siamese Community in Kampung Behor Gelam

𝙗𝙮: 𝙈𝙊𝙃𝘿. 𝙎𝙔𝘼𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙇 𝙍𝙊𝙎𝘿𝙄 𝘼𝙃𝙈𝘼𝘿 𝙕𝘼𝙃𝙐𝘿𝙄

ARAU, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 – The spirit of togetherness and harmony within Malaysia’s multiracial society was further strengthened through a Gotong-Royong Mahabbah programme with the Siamese community in Kampung Behor Gelam here, bringing together more than 50 villagers, volunteers and members of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) secretariat.

The programme, jointly organised by PERKIM Kebangsaan and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), was held around the Kampung Behor Gelam Multipurpose Hall from 4pm.

Held in collaboration with PERKIM Perlis, the initiative not only promoted the culture of gotong-royong among the local community but also reflected PERKIM’s commitment to reaching out to people regardless of their religious or ethnic background through dakwah bil-hal — an approach to outreach demonstrated through action and grounded in the values of mahabbah, togetherness and humanity.

PERKIM Deputy President, YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said the programme received an encouraging response from residents of Kampung Behor Gelam, who came together to clean up the hall and its surroundings, which had been neglected for some time.

“Alhamdulillah, today PERKIM is conducting a gotong-royong programme in Kampung Behor Gelam together with the Siamese community. The response from the villagers has been very encouraging, with residents coming together to clean up this area.

“This hall was originally a school which had been abandoned for a long time.

“There had previously been efforts to repair the premises, but some difficulties arose following changes in the government.

“However, the current government has now included this place in its plans for reconstruction and refurbishment,” said Shahidan Kassim.

He said the condition of the hall had previously been a cause for concern, with vegetation growing into the building and affecting its function as a venue for community gatherings and activities.

He added that the Siamese community in the area needed a suitable venue to conduct various activities, including meetings and community programmes.

“I saw for myself that trees had even begun growing inside the hall. This should not be happening because the community here does not have a proper place to gather.

“In the past, this place served as a venue for various meetings and community activities, but as it was not properly maintained, it eventually fell into its current state.

“Today, PERKIM is here to carry out the gotong-royong, and I would like to thank all the residents who have come together to make this effort a success.

“Insya-Allah, we will ensure that this area is kept clean, and PERKIM will also provide gotong-royong equipment to help the community maintain the premises,” he said.

Also present was PERKIM Perlis honorary treasurer Tuan Haji Mohd Arshad Daud.

Meanwhile, Programme Coordinator, Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah said the gotong-royong was successfully carried out through close cooperation between PERKIM Kebangsaan, PERKIM Perlis and the local community.

He said activities included cleaning and washing the hall, tidying the surrounding area, cutting grass, sweeping rubbish and removing long-neglected piles of waste.

“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful that most of the villagers came forward to take part in this gotong-royong.

“Together, we cleaned the hall, tidied and washed the surrounding areas, cut the grass and removed rubbish that had accumulated around the multipurpose hall.

“The programme was lively, thanks to the strong turnout and cooperation from the local residents,” said Jais Mariappan.

He also expressed his appreciation to MAIWP as the main contributor for providing funds to purchase gotong-royong equipment for the programme.

Jais Mariappan said PERKIM’s outreach efforts in Kampung Behor Gelam would continue through several follow-up activities, including a sports and recreational session as well as house-to-house visits to distribute food kits fully sponsored by MAIWP.

“Alhamdulillah, today’s programme produced very encouraging results. The spirit of volunteerism was evident, with people coming forward and working together regardless of race or ethnicity.

“This is precisely the spirit we want to nurture through programmes such as this — togetherness, mutual respect and a willingness to help one another,” he said.

During the programme, the PERKIM secretariat and villagers worked side by side to clean the interior and surroundings of the hall, collect rubbish, wash the building, cut the grass and clear long-abandoned piles of waste.

The collected rubbish was subsequently placed in a Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) bin provided for the purpose, ensuring that the area was restored to a clean, orderly and safe condition for use by the local community.

PERKIM secretariat members who took part in the gotong-royong included Hashimah Hashim, Azura Abdul Rahman, Abdulmubeen Yanya, Fatin Akmal Aksah and Naszri Osman.

The programme continued with a casual engagement session between Dato’ Seri Shahidan and the villagers before concluding with a group photography session and light refreshments.

The initiative further demonstrated PERKIM’s approach to strengthening community networks through welfare and community-based activities, while nurturing the values of fellowship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to harmonious living in a multiracial society.

Residents of Kampung Behor Gelam work together to put up the gotong-royong banner in front of the tent.

The PERKIM secretariat and villagers work together to gather rubbish, fallen leaves and dry grass and place them in rubbish bags.

Jais Mariappan disposes of shovelled rubbish into the RORO bin while others use hoes to clear a pile of waste before disposal.

Villagers clean and wash the interior of the hall, which was covered in dust and litter.

PERKIM secretariat members collect dry leaves that have been swept into rubbish bags.

A pile of waste is cleared with the help of Kampung Behor Gelam residents.

Jais Mariappan welcomes PERKIM Deputy President Dato’ Seri Shahidan Kassim to the gotong-royong site.

Dato’ Seri Shahidan Kassim takes time to meet and engage with the villagers.

Dato’ Seri Shahidan Kassim poses for a group photograph with the residents of Kampung Behor Gelam after the gotong-royong.

PERKIM Kebangsaan and PERKIM Perlis secretariat members also pose for a photograph with Dato’ Seri Shahidan Kassim, flashing ‘mini-heart’ gestures for the camera.