“Roses & Chocolates” – PERKIM’s Initiative to Engage Tourists in Langkawi

by: SAFIYYA NUR SAKEENA SALLEHUDDIN

LANGKAWI, 1 December 2024 – “Some smiled while thanking us, some were excited to receive chocolates and flowers, while others politely declined our gifts,” shared program coordinator, Nur Syahirah Musa, as she recounted the reactions of tourists who were given roses, chocolates, and informational leaflets while being asked about their countries of origin.

This initiative was part of a Field Dakwah Program in Langkawi organized by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) , in collaboration with PERKIM Kedah State Division. The program took place at Langkawi Skycab and other popular tourist locations such as Dataran Lang and Pantai Chenang.

Nur Syahirah, who also serves as PERKIM’s Officer for Dakwah and Human Development, explained that Langkawi, her hometown, was chosen for this outreach program due to its appeal as a hub for local and international tourists. This unique setting provided an opportunity to introduce Islam in a harmonious and welcoming environment.

She shared the history behind Langkawi’s name, derived from the word “Lang” (short for helang or eagle) and “kawi” (a reddish-brown color from old Malay), signifying “reddish-brown eagle.”

More than 200 roses and chocolates were distributed, along with multilingual leaflets, to tourists from various countries, including New Zealand, Switzerland, Ecuador, Poland, Finland, the UK, Georgia, Singapore, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Japan, and India, as well as local visitors. This effort was part of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign.

Nur Syahirah emphasized that such outreach programs make dakwah not only enjoyable but impactful, showcasing Islam as a religion of compassion and kindness. She noted that some tourists even joined the team for meals out of curiosity to learn more about Islam.

Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, PERKIM’s Senior Dakwah Director, stated that the program aimed to engage directly with tourists and convey Islam’s true message as a religion of peace, love, and harmony. He highlighted Langkawi’s significance as a UNESCO Global Geopark and a destination rich in cultural diversity, making it an ideal location for such initiatives.

Dato’ Razali added that previous programs had been conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca, with Langkawi now chosen for its popularity among international visitors. He described the initiative as a means of introducing Islam in an inclusive and approachable manner to those who may not be familiar with it.

Prior to the program, Dato’ Razali briefed participants, including PERKIM staff and university students, at Hotel HIG in Kuah. He expressed gratitude to Dato’ Wira Mansor Haji Ismail, Chairman of PERKIM Kedah, for supporting this field dakwah program.

Tourists who showed interest in the distributed leaflets were given further explanations about Islam as a religion that upholds noble values, aiming to dispel misconceptions often perpetuated by media or misinformation. By highlighting fundamental Islamic principles such

as tauhid (the oneness of God), exemplary character, and the role of Prophet Muhammad as a model for humanity, the program sought to inspire those open to learning about Islam.

Dato’ Razali stressed the importance of persistence in dakwah, encouraging participants not to lose heart when met with disinterest or avoidance. He described the roses and chocolates as symbols of Islam’s gentle, loving, and humane approach, which can touch hearts and foster understanding.

The program also inspired Muslims to be more proactive in spreading the teachings of Islam and strengthened the role of PERKIM Kedah in continuing such initiatives in Langkawi.

Joining the program were various PERKIM representatives, including Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, PERKIM’s  Finance Administrative  Officer, Hamidah Ismail, and volunteers like Dr. Haji Ruslan Said.

Dr. Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, PERKIM’s Director of Education and Human Development, congratulated the staff and students for their dedication, noting that such efforts not only enrich their experience but also instill resilience in spreading the message of Islam.

She remarked that some tourists were intrigued by PERKIM’s efforts, expressing curiosity about Islam and its values. The event concluded with a group photo at Pantai Chenang, followed by a dinner reception.

Dato’ Razali provided a briefing to the volunteers before they embarked on their mission.

Dr. Suariza reminded the volunteers not to lose hope in spreading the message of Islam to the tourists.

Dato’ Razali displayed one of the Islamic leaflets prepared for distribution to the tourists.

The volunteers posed for a group photo before heading to the field.

Zaatil handed out leaflets and roses to tourists from India at the SkyCab area.

Tourists from Holland received roses, chocolates, and leaflets from Zaatil and students from the PERKIM Club of UniSHAMS.

Dr. Suariza interacted warmly with a group of tourists from Jiangsu Nantong, China, after giving them flowers, chocolates, and Islamic leaflets.

Dr. Suariza took a selfie with a group of tourists from China.

Farhan Tee distributed roses, chocolates, and leaflets to tourists from Japan.

A foreign tourist asked Farhan Tee questions after receiving the free gifts and leaflets.

Farhan Tee and Zaatil engaged in friendly conversation with tourists from India after presenting them with flowers, chocolates, and leaflets.

Students from the PERKIM Club of UUM took selfies with Indian tourists after sharing flowers, chocolates, and Islamic leaflets.

Students from the PERKIM Club of UniSHAMS chatted with international tourists while handing out roses and chocolates.

Syahirah distributed chocolates and PERKIM leaflets to Indian tourists.

A tourist couple rejoiced after receiving flowers, chocolates and PERKIM leaflets while taking photos with the program coordinator, Syahirah (left).

Dr Suariza (right) had the opportunity to take a selfie with a tourist couple while receiving a flower.

PERKIM volunteer continue their mission at Dataran Lang, Langkawi.

PERKIM volunteer, Zulhilmi AhMat Limit chats while delivering flowers, leaflets and chocolates to tourists from Canada.

PERKIM volunteers took photos together at the eagle monument which is a landmark of Langkawi.

Tiller, a tourist from Switzerland, wanted to learn more about Islam and was invited to eat with a PERKIM’s Daie.

Farhan Tee explained the beauty of Islam to Tiller who wanted to learn more about Islam while enjoying traditional village food while having a lunch at Kak Yan Nasi Campur.

Farhan Tee gives chocolates to children who attend the PERKIM stall at Chenang Beach.

A Chinese tourist reads an Islamic pamphlet given to him.

Tourists from India read a pamphlet after receiving flowers and chocolates from a volunteer.

Foreign tourists rejoice while recording live after receiving flowers.

Farhan Tee delivers brochures, flowers and chocolates to foreign tourists passing through the Chenang Beach area.

PERKIM volunteers are grateful after their mission was accomplished, delivering flowers, chocolates and pamphlets to tourists at Chenang Beach.