PERKIM Organises Multiracial Community Welfare Visit to Fajar Gemilang Care Centre

by: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

SUNGAI PETANI, 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 – A warm and harmonious atmosphere filled the Multiracial Community Welfare Visit Programme held at the Fajar Gemilang Care Centre (PPFG), Taman Kelisa Ria, here on Saturday morning.

The programme, jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), received the support of the Islamic Da’wah and Welfare Association for Indian Converts of Malaysia (AL-HIDAYAH) Kedah Branch and PERKIM Kuala Muda District Branch.

Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, in his speech representing the Honourary Secretary-General of PERKIM National, YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, expressed his gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to visit the centre.

He stated that the visit was part of PERKIM’s ongoing welfare initiative, particularly under its project to reach out to non-Muslim communities in need, regardless of race or religion.

He conveyed his utmost appreciation to PPFG for welcoming the visit, which in turn provided an opportunity for them to reach out to and care for the patients.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan further shared that he was given the chance to personally witness the conditions of the residents at the care centre, most of whom are individuals struggling with mental health issues and in need of continuous care and compassion.

“It was a deeply moving experience that touched our hearts and instilled awareness in all members of the delegation.

“We were not only able to spend time mingling with the residents but also had the opportunity to interact with them with sincerity, love and empathy.

“We are truly grateful to be informed that PERKIM National is among the first organisations to officially visit this centre and extend assistance,” he said.

As a gesture of concern and moral support, PERKIM National distributed 30 ready-to-eat meal sets to the residents regardless of their race or religion.

He also expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of PPFG staff who continue to manage and care for patients with dedication despite facing significant challenges in terms of finance and administration.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan, who also serves as an Officer in PERKIM National’s Da’wah and Human Development Unit, remarked that although the contribution was modest, it was hoped to ease the centre’s burden and bring benefit to the patients.

“May this small effort pave the way for more individuals and organisations to come forward and extend their support to PPFG,” he added.

He further noted that the visit not only fulfilled PERKIM’s welfare mission but also strengthened the spirit of unity and harmony among Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society.

“We believe that small acts like these, when carried out sincerely and consistently, can have a significant impact in building a more caring and compassionate society.

“We pray that all these noble efforts will be blessed by Allah SWT and become a source of goodness for everyone involved.”

The programme emphasised that such welfare visits not only strengthen the bonds between diverse communities but also deliver a clear message that care and compassion are essential in defending the dignity of those in need.

Shafizah Abu Bakar, Assistant Manager of PPFG, highlighted that mental health patients should not be stigmatised, as with proper follow-up treatment, they are capable of regaining stability.

She explained that the centre receives patients of all races and is supported by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK).

“I hope this centre continues to be promoted so that more people can benefit.

“Thank you to everyone for travelling from afar to see our patients and deliver assistance,” she said.

PPFG partner, Mohd Noh Md Isa, representing PPFG Manager Mohd Yusni Mohammad Desa, also expressed gratitude for PERKIM’s concern and the support of collaborating organisations.

He explained that the centre does not solely operate as a paid entity but also prioritises welfare elements to ensure patients receive proper treatment.

Apart from medical care and medication management, PPFG also provides spiritual guidance and farming activities to generate additional income.

Since its establishment in 2014, PPFG has sheltered 55 patients aged between 24 and 68 years who face various mental health challenges, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With care costs ranging from RM950 to RM1,500 per month, the centre strives to provide affordable services compared to other facilities.

He added that PPFG offers 24-hour care services that include health monitoring, medication management, and follow-up consultations with medical specialists.

“This approach not only ensures continuous treatment but also guarantees patient safety in a conducive environment.”

Beyond being a treatment centre, PPFG also functions as a space for social and emotional support, staffed by trained caregivers and working closely with medical professionals.

For patients’ families, he explained, the centre serves as a vital solution to ease the heavy burden of caregiving. Their confidence grows knowing their loved ones are in safe, professional, and caring hands.

PPFG also acts as a bridge between patients, families, doctors, and the community, opening pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration into daily life.

He stressed that the centre’s existence reflects growing awareness that mental health is just as important as physical health.

“In the long term, PPFG not only offers hope to patients but also educates society to be more empathetic towards mental health issues. These efforts deserve praise for bravely addressing challenges that are often marginalised.”

At the end of the visit, Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented a PERKIM souvenir plaque to Mohd Noh, symbolising the bond of friendship and goodwill between PERKIM and PPFG.

The programme was also joined by PERKIM National secretariat members Azura Abdul Rahman, Norlailialpin Suratman, and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar, alongside volunteer Mohd Firdaus Pompeyo Abdullah.

Also present were AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Secretary, Ustaz Mohd Firdaus Abdullah; AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Treasurer, Ustazah Nurasiqin Abdullah; PERKIM Kuala Muda Chairman, Ustaz Haji Imran Kochem Haji Ahmad; and PERKIM Kuala Muda Assistant Honourary Secretary, Ustazah Juhana Halimah Johari.

Mohd Noh (wearing glasses) welcomes the presence of the secretariat from PERKIM National.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan takes the food packs to be distributed to the patients.

Mohd Noh shares information about PPFG’s operations and its patients with the PERKIM secretariat.

Critical patients are placed inside the centre in a safe environment.

Shafizah (left), Assistant Manager of PPFG, interacts with one of the patients.

Mohd Noh, delivering his welcoming remarks on behalf of the PPFG Manager, expresses gratitude for the concern shown by PERKIM and its partners.

Shafizah hopes that the centre will be promoted so that more people can benefit.

In his speech, Ustaz Jais Mariappan thanked PPFG for giving the opportunity to care for the patients with love and empathy.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presents a PERKIM souvenir plaque to Mohd Noh as a token of appreciation and gratitude.

PERKIM National and AL-HIDAYAH secretariat members capture a commemorative photo with PPFG staff and patients.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivers food aid to the patients.

Patients receive food contributions from Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

Patients who need to be approached and supported by the community.

Among the patients who requested to take a photo.

Ustaz Imran Kochem, Chairman of PERKIM Kuala Muda (right), also joined the welfare visit.

The secretariat team and PPFG management take a group photo in front of the centre at the end of the visit.