PERKIM Headquarters, PERKIM Selangor Reach Out To Destini Klang Eldery Residents

By MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KLANG, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 — The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens through a community outreach visit to the Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation here today.

The programme, jointly organised by PERKIM National and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), began at 9am and involved more than 17 members of the delegation led by programme coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah.

The visit, held in collaboration with PERKIM Selangor, went beyond the presentation of aid, providing an opportunity for the delegation to engage with the residents and hear first-hand about their life experiences, particularly those who no longer have family members to rely on.

A total of 25 residents, comprising Chinese and Indian senior citizens, were visited, including those requiring close supervision and specialised care.

The programme was hosted by emcee Muhammad Aidil Aqel Mohd Yusoff, an industrial training student from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

In his address, Ustaz Jais Mariappan said the visit also carried MAIWP’s mandate to deliver contributions to the residents as a gesture of concern for those in need.

“Although the contribution may be modest, we hope it will bring some joy and strengthen the bonds of affection between us and the residents here.

“When we see their circumstances, our hearts are touched because a mother’s sacrifices are immense. Without our mothers, none of us would be here in this world.”

Ustaz Jais Mariappan, who is also a Dakwah Executive with PERKIM National, said the experience should serve as a reminder to society not to neglect its responsibilities towards parents, particularly those in their later years.

He said witnessing the residents’ circumstances could inspire members of society to become more responsible children and appreciate the mothers who gave birth to and raised them.

“Do not think that you have been abandoned. Perhaps some families are unable to provide the care they need, but this is where they have a place to live together, find happiness and share love and companionship.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the management and staff of the centre for their dedication in caring for the residents regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

According to him, caring for senior citizens, particularly those who are bedridden or have special needs, requires tremendous patience, sincerity and sacrifice.

“How can someone care for them around the clock, 24 hours a day? That is why I pray that the staff here will continue to be given strength.

“If someone remains committed and Allah grants them the guidance to serve sincerely and dedicate themselves to these elderly mothers, God willing, their kindness will earn the love of Allah.”

Meanwhile, Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation supervisor, Joanna Salini Destiny said the centre operates several residential areas for male and female residents, as well as a separate room for children.

She said the centre operates as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and relies heavily on support from external parties to meet its operating expenses, including premises rental, water and electricity bills, as well as residents’ care and daily needs.

“Operating costs are increasing. At times, residents’ payments are insufficient even to cover water and electricity bills, especially as we operate at several locations.

“With God’s permission, external parties come forward to provide contributions and assistance. This support enables us to continue operating.”

She said the centre also accepts residents from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs, including those facing difficult circumstances and lacking suitable accommodation.

The centre has a capacity of up to 24 residents, while the fees charged depend on each individual’s circumstances and care requirements.

For bedridden residents, Joanna said the cost of care is higher due to the need for hospital beds, adult diapers and other specialised care equipment.

“For those who are bedridden, we need to provide more facilities and care. Some are unable to afford the full cost, so we try to adjust the fees according to their financial ability.”

Joanna said the centre also faces a shortage of manpower as caring for residents requires round-the-clock attention.

“Sometimes one staff member has to care for as many as 20 people over 24 hours. That is why patience is so important.

“I have learned how they move, how they cope with life and their individual lifestyles. Over time, we become comfortable with one another.”

In an emotional account, Joanna shared that she herself had experienced life in a welfare home during her childhood after losing her mother to illness at the age of 14.

She said the experience was among the reasons that inspired her to continue serving those in need.

“I believe there is a reason God brought me here. We never know why someone is placed in a particular situation.

“Initially, I came as a volunteer. After seeing how the centre was managed and how the residents were cared for, I challenged myself to do what the founder of this centre was doing.”

She said her years of service had also taught her the importance of empowering residents to become as independent as possible according to their individual abilities.

“I want them to see this place as their own home. If they are able to be independent, they can keep the place clean and help manage the household when I am not around.

“I am merely coordinating. They themselves know how to live their lives here.”

Joanna also stressed that the centre does not select residents based on religion or ethnicity, as its fundamental principle is to provide shelter and care to those in need.

“We do not look at religion when helping someone. We help everyone.

“If there are new Muslims or anyone who needs temporary accommodation, we can discuss their circumstances. As long as they are able to contribute a small amount according to their means, it helps us cover our expenses.”

She said public donations remained crucial to sustaining the welfare centre’s operations, particularly as the cost of essential goods and utilities continues to rise.

During the programme, PERKIM National Administration Director Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad presented 25 food aid packs from MAIWP to the centre.

The contributions comprised essential items such as oats, omega milk, biscuits and towels for the residents, including those who are bedridden.

The presentation was followed by an interaction session, during which the PERKIM delegation spent time talking to the residents, asking about their well-being and sharing moments of companionship as a gesture of care and solidarity.

The visit reflected PERKIM’s continued commitment to broadening its dakwah agenda through welfare, humanitarian outreach and compassionate engagement with communities regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Also present were PERKIM National administrative affairs officer Mohd Aizat Rosli; Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong; Hashimah Hashim; Azura Abdul Rahman; Norlailialpin Suratman; Rohaiza Mohd Tan; Fatin Akmal Aksah; Mu’alish Shah Mohd Anuar; Esa Othman; and Muhammad Faiz Hasnain Lokman.

Representing PERKIM Selangor were Muhammad Hizam Abdul Rahim, Haji Mohd Subki Abdul Rahman and Hajah Umaizah Abdullah.

The programme underscored that welfare is not merely about providing material assistance. It is equally about being present, showing compassion and taking the time to listen to the voices and stories of those who are often overlooked by society.

For PERKIM, even a simple visit and a modest contribution can become a bridge of compassion connecting the wider community with senior citizens, while nurturing the values of ihsan, solidarity and humanity in a diverse society.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan and the secretariat members carry and arrange food aid packs for residents of the Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation.

 

Aidil Aqel (second from right) delivers his welcoming remarks while hosting the welfare visit programme.

 

According to Joanna (right), the centre also accommodates residents from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs, including those facing difficult circumstances and without suitable accommodation.

 

Joanna also shared her personal experience of spending part of her childhood in a welfare home after losing her mother to illness, an experience that inspired her to continue serving and caring for those in need.

 

Among the residents of the Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation listening to Joanna’s address.

 

In his address, Ustaz Jais Mariappan said the visit also carried a mandate from MAIWP to deliver contributions to the centre’s residents as a gesture of concern for the welfare of those in need.

 

“When we see their circumstances, our hearts are touched because a mother’s sacrifices are immense. Without them, none of us would be here in this world,” said Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

 

Dr Suariza presents food aid packs from MAIWP to Joanna, the centre’s supervisor, for distribution to the residents.

 

The contributions comprised essential items such as oats, omega milk, biscuits and towels for the residents.

 

An Indian resident receives a food aid pack from Dr Suariza.

 

Dr Suariza distributes food aid packs to the residents of the centre.

 

A simple gesture of visiting and providing assistance can serve as a bridge of compassion connecting the wider community with senior citizens.

 

Dr Suariza and Rohaiza spend time with senior citizens while distributing MAIWP-sponsored food aid packs

 

A bedridden senior citizen expresses her gratitude by kissing Dr Suariza’s hand as she reaches out to her.

 

Aidil Aqel takes the opportunity to distribute a food aid pack to a senior citizen alongside Sulaiman Ding.

 

Dr Suariza also presents a food aid pack to the centre’s volunteer, Valerie Valli, who monitors the residents and checks their blood pressure.

 

PERKIM secretariat members and volunteers pose for a group photograph with residents of the Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation.

 

PERKIM secretariat members and volunteers pose for a commemorative photograph in front of the premises of the Destini Klang Elderly Welfare Organisation.