PERKIM Town Hall Strengthens National Coordination, Reinforces Da’wah Agenda
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 DECEMBER 2025 – The Town Hall session with State Branch Chairmen of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), held at the Seminar Hall, Level 1, PERKIM Building today, gathered more than 50 state leaders and PERKIM executives to discuss organisational direction, current needs, and administrative challenges nationwide.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by PERKIM National Dakwah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, followed by the rendition of Negaraku and the organisation’s anthem, Pacu Kemajuan.
The opening prayer was led by Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, marking the start of a discussion-filled session centred on issues, aspirations and organisational reform.
Among those present were PERKIM Deputy President, YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim; Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah; Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah; and Deputy Minister of Economy cum PERKIM Sarawak Chairperson, YB Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib.
PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, in his address, said the Town Hall aims to directly hear the voice of grassroots leadership and strengthen two-way communication between national and state-level leadership.
Marking his fourth month at the helm, he emphasised that the programme reinforces Islamic brotherhood, fosters closer ties and builds stronger organisational relationships.
He also outlined PERKIM’s strategic direction which spans dakwah, education, welfare, and organisational strengthening to remain aligned with the organisation’s founding objectives.
Dato’ Dr Marzuki highlighted the urgent need for additional government funding due to rising operational costs and noted that a special meeting with the Prime Minister is currently being arranged.
He expressed hope that the session would strengthen cooperation and shared understanding across all PERKIM leadership levels.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim expressed appreciation for the delegates’ commitment, adding that the Central Committee now meets more frequently to expedite policy implementation.
He detailed the division of responsibilities within the committee, including administration, finance, international dakwah, funding, asset management and education, and the creation of five zonal chairmanship structures to enhance local dakwah coordination.
Touching on financial matters, he noted that government allocations have fallen to RM5 million from RM10 million previously, though he remains optimistic that the request for additional funds will be considered.
He also urged Islamic NGOs to adopt structured work cultures and emphasised the need for stronger corporate support and enhanced social media presence to elevate PERKIM’s dakwah impact.
The dialogue session with state representatives raised several key issues.
Wanita PERKIM Treasurer, Associate Professor Dr Nur’azah Dato’ Abdul Manaf, requested restructuring of allocations as the women’s wing accounts for 67 percent of membership and manages more than 80 branches but faces registration constraints with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), affecting reporting and fund channels.
PERKIM Perlis Chairman, Dato’ Khairi Hasan, highlighted the vulnerability of Thai converts who are at risk of returning to their former faith upon returning home. States such as Kedah, Penang and Perak raised concerns over high land premiums and development costs.
Selangor Chairman, Ustaz Fitri, shared the state’s success in asset generation and land premium reduction, while Federal Territories representative and Honorary Secretary, Tuan Haji Mathurudi Rejab, proposed multilingual dakwah initiatives and reductions in office rentals.
Other states, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Pahang raised issues involving ROS, homeless converts, records of foreign Muslim converts and membership system improvements.
PERKIM Sarawak Chairperson, Hanifah Hajar Taib, said the state aims to maximise assets, communication technology and creative methods to strengthen financial standing and operate independently.
The organisation’s annual meeting was also explained as a platform to address current issues and sustainable development goals (SDG), enabling communities to understand their relevance to Islam, social responsibility and climate change.
PERKIM Honorary Treasurer, YBhg Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli, highlighted the financial challenges delaying the construction of the PERKIM Dakwah Institute Kota Bharu (IDIPKB) hostel building, though efforts to seek solutions are ongoing.
He stressed the need for PERKIM nationwide to consolidate talent and generate income through structured social media initiatives under national coordination.
He proposed collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Communications to secure rebates from payment gateway providers that impose transaction charges, and suggested PERKIM be appointed as the monitoring body for NGOs collecting public donations to prevent misuse.
He described the model as a “low-hanging fruit” that could quickly generate sustainable revenue for PERKIM.
Leaders also suggested that the Town Hall be formalised as a Special Edition PERKIM Council Meeting for 2025.
Dato’ Dr Marzuki concluded the session by affirming that such engagements will continue and proposed that the next meeting be considered for Sarawak.
He announced plans to organise an International Waqf Conference in mid-2026 with the involvement of the PERKIM President and Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg.
The event concluded with the presentation of a RM15,000 cheque to state PERKIM branches by Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan and senior leadership, symbolising a shared commitment to advancing dakwah and welfare efforts.
The Town Hall ended with a photo session and lunch, marking PERKIM’s renewed resolve to strengthen its role across the country.
Also present were the State Mufti of Melaka, who is concurrently the Chairman of PERKIM Melaka State Division, YBhg Dato’ Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil; PERKIM Deputy Permanent Chairman, Mahadi Deraman; PERKIM National Council Members, Tuan Haji Mohamad Shaiful Bahri Abdullah, Datuk Haji Hasbullah L. Isa, Datin Paduka Hajah Norsiah Haron; PERKIM National Administration Director, Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad; and Senior Dakwah Executive, Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin.
The Chairmen and Executives of PERKIM State Divisions signed their forms during the registration session.
Dr Shahidan Kassim exchanged handshakes with the PERKIM Division delegations upon his arrival.
The Top Leadership of PERKIM and the delegations stood in respect for the national anthem, Negaraku.
Ustaz Farhan Tee, as the master of ceremonies, opened the Town Hall with PERKIM Division Chairmen.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan led the recitation of the opening doa.
Delegates raised their hands and solemnly responded “Ameen” to the doa.
The Town Hall proceeded with a diverse range of ideas, views, and proposals.
In his speech, Dato’ Dr Marzuki said that the Town Hall was organised to hear the grassroots voice directly and to strengthen two-way communication between the central and state leadership.
In his remarks, Dato’ Seri Shahidan informed that the Central Committee now meets more frequently to expedite policy implementation.
He emphasised the importance of corporate sector support and strengthening PERKIM’s social media presence to enhance the impact of da’wah.
Dr Nur’azah Dato’ Abdul Manaf requested a restructuring of allocations for PERKIM Women’s Affairs.
Dato’ Khairi Hasan highlighted the issue of Thai reverts who risk returning to their former religion when they return to their home country.
The Town Hall continued with renewed commitment to strengthening PERKIM’s dakwah efforts throughout Malaysia.
Haji Turedy proposed the need for a Premier Syahadah Programme for the Orang Asli community.
The Penang delegation raised concerns about rising development costs and a land premium issue valued at RM500,000.
Ustaz Fitri, who is also the Chairman of PERKIM Selangor, shared the success of asset generation and the reduction of land premiums.
Haji Mathurudi proposed multilingual dakwah initiatives and the reduction of office rental costs.
The Negeri Sembilan delegation raised issues on the ROS system transition, stating that the disclosure was too general.
Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim voiced concerns regarding foreign converts whose conversions were not properly registered, only given temporary certification, which affects official records and complicates dakwah efforts.
Representing PERKIM Johor, Ustaz Ghazali proposed special placement facilities for new Muslims who are cast out by their families, including students and convert families who have no place to stay.
Representing Pahang, Mahadi Deraman proposed improvements to the registration of women and youth, addressing ROS delays, and refining the membership system to ensure a more organised and efficient PERKIM administration.
The Honorary Secretary of PERKIM Kelantan, Tuan Haji Mohamed Nazir Che Ibrahim, expressed his views.
Dato’ Hanifah Hajar, Chairperson of PERKIM Sarawak, urged for stronger guidance for youth, empowerment of PERKIM’s own assets, understanding of sustainable development issues, and financial independence without reliance on government funding for the future of dakwah and welfare work.
Datu Mersal also suggested that PERKIM Divisions combine resources and strengthen social media engagement, and that continuous small-scale donations could help generate sustainable funding and harmonise fundraising efforts nationwide.
Dr Seri Shahidan presented a RM15,000 cheque to Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim at the end of the Town Hall.
Dato’ Hanifah Hajar received a RM15,000 cheque from Dr Seri Shahidan to strengthen PERKIM’s direction and role.
The Top Leadership of PERKIM took a commemorative photograph with the PERKIM Division delegations at the close of the event.
