PERKIM Mahabbah Programme Strengthens Bonds with the Portuguese Community in Ujong Pasir
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
MELAKA, JULY 12, 2026 – The Mahabbah Programme for the Portuguese Multiracial Community of Ujong Pasir, jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) concluded today in an atmosphere marked by harmony, goodwill and a strong spirit of unity.
Held at the Ujong Pasir Open Hall, the programme was organised with the cooperation of PERKIM Melaka State Division and PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch. More than 100 participants, comprising community leaders, volunteers, villagers and representatives from various agencies, attended the event, which had been running over the past two days.
The programme, which began at 9.30am, opened with a Harmony Dialogue moderated by Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, Da’wah Executive of PERKIM National. Joining him as panellists were Ts. Dr. Adam Wong Yoon Khang, a committee member of PERKIM Melaka, and Yusrie Michael Abdullah, a Muslim convert from the Portuguese community.
In his presentation, Dr. Adam emphasised that harmony does not occur by chance but must be cultivated through continuous efforts by all segments of society.
He noted that the Federal Constitution serves as a fundamental pillar of national unity through Article 3, which recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation; Article 8, which guarantees equality before the law; and Article 11, which safeguards freedom of religion.
“Malaysia’s diversity of races, religions and cultures is a strength that must be appreciated. Harmony is reflected in the tradition of visiting one another during festive seasons and in the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by Malaysians during times of disaster, regardless of background,” he said.
He added that while Malaysians have succeeded in building physical peace and stability, greater efforts are still needed to strengthen social cohesion and deepen mutual understanding of one another’s cultures and beliefs.
Meanwhile, Yusrie Michael shared his personal experience as a Muslim convert raised within the Portuguese community in Melaka.
He said embracing Islam had never severed his ties with his family or community. Instead, those relationships continued to flourish through love, responsibility and mutual respect.
“Although we profess different faiths, I remained committed to my responsibility as a son and cared for my mother until the end of her life. Harmony should not be measured solely by religious similarities, but by respect, responsibility and shared human values,” he said.
He also advised Muslim converts to maintain strong relationships with their non-Muslim parents and family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Touching on the role of social media, Yusrie noted that digital platforms provide significant benefits in communication, education and business, but may also cause harm when misused through the spread of slander, misinformation, cyberbullying and hate speech.
Both panellists agreed that among the greatest challenges to social harmony today are the spread of unverified information, limited interaction between communities and misunderstandings surrounding the cultures and beliefs of others.
They stressed that harmony must be nurtured continuously through dialogue, tolerance, cooperation and mutual respect, in line with the spirit of the Charter of Madinah, which remains an enduring example of peaceful coexistence within a multicultural and multi-religious society.
The dialogue concluded that Malaysia’s diversity remains a valuable national asset that must be preserved to ensure continued peace, stability and prosperity.
The programme then proceeded with the closing ceremony, hosted by PERKIM National secretariat member Fatin Akmal Aksah, beginning with an address by Ignitius Gerald Danker, Chairman of the Ujong Pasir Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK).
Ignitius expressed his appreciation to PERKIM National, MAIWP, PERKIM Melaka State Division, PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch and all volunteers who had contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
“Thank you for the spirit of cooperation demonstrated through the community clean-up activities, welfare visits and various community programmes that have benefited local residents.
“I hope initiatives such as this will continue in the future to further strengthen ties and goodwill within the community,” he said.
Representing PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Dato’ Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, Farhan Tee said the programme reflected PERKIM’s ongoing commitment to engaging communities of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds through welfare and community-based initiatives.
He noted that before the programme at the Portuguese Settlement, the PERKIM delegation had conducted a welfare visit to the Prasanna Care Centre, which houses approximately 40 elderly residents and individuals requiring special care.
“During our stay in Melaka, we also carried out welfare visits to nearly 30 homes within the Portuguese Settlement despite heavy rain. Alhamdulillah, food baskets and cash assistance were successfully distributed to identified recipients.
“The positive response from the Portuguese community demonstrates that programmes such as this are effective in fostering closer relationships and mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds,” he said.
Farhan also expressed appreciation to the Ujong Pasir JPKK for its full cooperation in facilitating the programme, including the community clean-up, welfare visits, recreational activities and Harmony Dialogue.
The closing ceremony was officiated by the Mufti of Melaka and Chairman of PERKIM Melaka State Division, Sahibus Samahah Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim Tawil.
In his address, Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim described the Portuguese community as an integral part of Melaka’s unique heritage, one that must continue to be preserved and appreciated as a national treasure.
According to him, harmony within a multicultural society can only be achieved through three key principles: getting to know one another, respecting one another and accepting one another.
“We live in a country blessed with rich ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. Therefore, every citizen must strive to understand one another, respect differing beliefs and religious practices, and embrace diversity as a source of strength.
“When we know, respect and accept one another, we create a society that is peaceful, stable and united,” he said.
He further noted that Malaysia serves as an example to the world in managing diversity through a culture of tolerance and mutual respect for the traditions and celebrations of its various communities.
“Malaysia’s uniqueness is evident when people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai Day and Kaamatan in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill,” he added.
During the ceremony, Datuk Wira Abdul Halim presented PERKIM commemorative plaques to Ignitius Gerald Danker and PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch Chairman Cikgu Hasni Dolmat in appreciation of their cooperation and support.
Farhan Tee, meanwhile, presented an appreciation plaque to Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim for officiating the closing ceremony.
Prizes were also awarded to winners of the recreational games, including the poison balloon challenge, burst-the-balloon contest, candy hunt in flour and musical balloons competition. Special tokens of appreciation were presented to villagers celebrating birthdays in July.
Representing PERKIM National were Deputy Executive of Finance II, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi; Deputy Executive of Administration, Hashimah Hashim and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) industrial trainees Ummul Murshida Mat Shuqi and Nur ‘Izzah Salimi.
Also present were PERKIM Melaka State Division Vice Chairman II, Haji Bahaudin Abdullah; Executive, Muhammad Haziq Abdullah Thani, Deputy Executive, Muhammad Shahril Abdul Rahman, General Assistant, Mohd Zafran Jabbar, PERKIM Ujong Pasir Branch Women’s Chief Rafedah Othman, Women’s Secretary Awami Abdullah and a team of volunteers who contributed to the programme’s success.
The event concluded with a photography session, the presentation of appreciation gifts to villagers and a luncheon, bringing the curtain down on the Mahabbah Programme for the Portuguese Multiracial Community, which successfully strengthened ties between PERKIM and the Portuguese community of Ujong Pasir.
Azrol checks registration forms during the participant registration session for the Harmony Dialogue involving residents of the Portuguese Settlement.
Villagers fill in their names and sign the attendance register.
The Harmony Dialogue was moderated by Farhan Tee, with Dr. Adam Wong and Yusrie Michael Abdullah serving as panellists.
Residents in attendance listen attentively to the panellists during the Harmony Dialogue session.
“Harmony can be seen through the tradition of visiting one another during festive seasons and the spirit of solidarity displayed by Malaysians in facing disasters regardless of background,” said Dr. Adam Wong.
Members of the Portuguese community attend the Harmony Dialogue held at the Ujong Pasir Open Hall.
“Harmony should not be measured solely by religious similarities, but by respect, responsibility and shared human values,” said Yusrie Michael.
Yusrie Michael emphasised that harmony must be continuously nurtured through dialogue, tolerance, cooperation and mutual respect, in line with the spirit of the Charter of Madinah.
Azrol (second from left) presents a MAIWP-sponsored food aid pack to Tony Mintero.
Tammy Cammy De Mello (centre) receives a MAIWP-sponsored food aid pack from Azrol.
Fatin Akmal serves as the master of ceremonies during the closing ceremony.
Ignitius Gerald, Chairman of the Portuguese Settlement Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK), expresses his appreciation to PERKIM and MAIWP for organising the community clean-up, welfare visits, recreational activities and Harmony Dialogue.
In his speech, Farhan Tee said the programme was a continuation of PERKIM’s efforts to engage with the Portuguese community through welfare and community-based initiatives.
According to the Mufti of Melaka, harmony within a multicultural society can only be achieved through three fundamental principles: understanding one another, respecting one another and accepting one another.
“When we know, respect and accept one another, we will create a society that is peaceful, stable and united,” said Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim.
In his officiating address, the Chairman of PERKIM Melaka stressed that the Portuguese community forms an important part of Melaka’s unique heritage and should continue to be preserved and appreciated as a national treasure.
Dato’ Abdul Halim presents a PERKIM appreciation plaque to Ignitius Gerald.
Cikgu Hasni Dolmat receives a PERKIM commemorative plaque from Datuk Abdul Halim.
Datuk Abdul Halim presents a hamper to the champion of the “Poison Balloon” competition.
The winner of the “Candy Hunt in Flour” event receives a hamper from Datuk Abdul Halim.
The Mufti of Melaka presents a hamper to the champion of the “Burst the Balloon” competition.
The Chairman of PERKIM Melaka presents a hamper to the winner of the “Musical Balloons” competition.
Awami presents MAIWP tokens of appreciation to all participants in the presence of Farhan Tee.
The Mufti of Melaka also presents a birthday hamper to a village resident celebrating his or her birthday.
Distinguished guests from PERKIM National, PERKIM Melaka and PERKIM Ujong Pasir pose for a commemorative photograph with residents of the Portuguese Settlement at the conclusion of the programme.
