By: SRZ
MELAKA, 17 August 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), in collaboration with PERKIM Melaka State Branch, successfully carried out the Street Da’wah Programme for Non-Muslims around the Historic City of Melaka.
Programme Coordinator, Nur Syahirah Musa, who is also an Officer at the Dakwah and Human Development Unit of PERKIM National said, the initiative was aimed at directly engaging with non-Muslim communities while conveying the true message of Islam as a religion that upholds peace, compassion, and universal unity.
She explained that Melaka was chosen as the main location because of its status as a popular tourist destination that attracts multicultural visitors from all over the world.
Therefore, this programme served as a strategic platform to introduce Islam in a more inclusive and harmonious manner to the general public, including local residents who may have limited understanding of Islam as well as international tourists.
“We witnessed a variety of reactions from tourists upon receiving the PERKIM souvenir bags. Some smiled broadly, expressed gratitude, and showed signs of being touched and appreciated.
Others, although initially surprised or hesitant, eventually accepted them warmly,” she shared when met in front of the Stadhuys Building, one of the programme’s main locations.
According to Nur Syahirah, more than 20 staff and volunteers from PERKIM National, PERKIM Melaka State Branch and PERKIM Melaka Women’s Wing were on the ground distributing over 100 souvenir bags around the Stadhuys, A Famosa and Jonker Street.
The souvenir bags contained Islamic brochures in various languages, chocolates, roses, and umbrellas – symbolising gentleness, love and protection.
“We sought to deliver the message of Islam in a simple, friendly and easy-to-understand manner, so that people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds could embrace it,” she added.
Nur Syahirah stressed that such efforts must continue so that Muslims in Malaysia become more proactive in engaging with the multiracial society with wisdom and kindness.
“Dakwah is not confined to mosques or lecture halls. It can also take place on the streets, in markets, or in tourist spots – anywhere people gather. What matters most is that the message of Islam reaches them with compassion and tenderness,” she emphasised.
She further noted that such interactions also promote mutual respect and tolerance among people of different faiths.
“Through gentle approaches like offering flowers, chocolates and brochures, we aim to show that Islam is a friendly religion, full of love and able to touch human hearts,” she said.
Among the tourists who received the souvenirs were from Finland, Britain, Georgia, Singapore, the Netherlands, Chile, France, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Japan, India, Indonesia as well as local Malaysians, coinciding with Malaysia’s Independence Month celebration.
Before heading to the field, participants gathered at the PERKIM Melaka State Branch Office at Jalan Munshi Abdullah for a special briefing delivered by PERKIM National Director of Education and Human Development, YBhg Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad.
In his briefing entitled “Do’s & Don’ts”, he emphasised the proper etiquette and approaches that daie (preachers) should observe when interacting with non-Muslims, including:
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Conveying the message with smiles, simplicity and courtesy.
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Avoiding debates that could lead to misunderstandings.
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Providing explanations based on facts and authentic Islamic teachings.
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Respecting the sensitivities of the recipients’ religion, culture and customs.
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Treating souvenirs as symbols of love and respect, not merely material gifts.
“Street Dakwah is not about lengthy arguments or proving who is right or wrong. It is about building bridges, touching hearts, and portraying Islam as a religion of compassion and mercy,” Dr Suariza explained.
The programme also received full support from the Mufti of the State of Melaka cum Chairman of PERKIM Melaka State Branch, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil, who granted permission and encouragement for the field initiative.
Also present to distribute souvenirs and brochures were PERKIM Melaka Honorary Treasurer, YBhg Dr Adam Wong Yun Kang; PERKIM National Dakwah and Human Development Officers, Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah and Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah; PERKIM National Finance Unit Officer, Mohd Aizat Rosli; PERKIM Melaka Officer, Rukiah Sungip; PERKIM Melaka Assistant Dakwah Officer, Muhammad Shahril Abdul Rahman, along with PERKIM volunteers.
According to Dr Suariza, the Street Da’wah initiative was not only about giving small gifts, but also about creating opportunities for warm dialogue on Islamic teachings.
Several tourists who showed interest in the Islamic brochures were given brief explanations on the fundamental concepts of Islam, such as tauhid (the Oneness of God), noble character, and the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a role model.
“Many were touched when we explained that Islam advocates universal human values. Indirectly, this helps dispel misconceptions that may have arisen from inaccurate media portrayals or unreliable sources,” he said.
“This programme also trained and empowered daie with knowledge and practical skills. It not only boosted their confidence in delivering da’wah, but also helped expand PERKIM’s volunteer movement nationwide,” he added.
The languages used by the daie included English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and others to ensure the message of Islam was effectively conveyed to tourists from different countries.
The programme concluded with a group photo session in front of Melaka’s historic landmarks, closing the event with a spirit of camaraderie, fulfilment, and gratitude.
Overall, the PERKIM–MAIWP Street Da’wah Programme in collaboration with PERKIM Melaka successfully left a positive impact not only on the non-Muslim community, but also inspired young daie to remain active in da’wah.
Dr Suariza delivering the “Do & Don’ts” briefing to the preachers.
The preachers listening to the briefing held at the PERKIM Melaka State Branch Office.
Dr Suariza engaging in da’wah while distributing food to local residents.
PERKIM booth set up and ready at the Stadhuys compound.
Jais Mariappan (wearing a cap) handing a souvenir bag containing brochures, flowers, chocolates and an umbrella to a visitor.
A tourist from China receiving a PERKIM souvenir bag from Farhan Tee.
An Indian woman receiving a PERKIM souvenir bag presented by Jais Mariappan.
A Chinese visitor receiving a PERKIM souvenir bag after answering a Merdeka question.
Farhan Tee engaging in dakwah while presenting a PERKIM souvenir bag to an international tourist.
Malaysians of various ethnicities receiving PERKIM souvenir bags from Jais Mariappan.
An Indian collecting a PERKIM souvenir bag after answering a Merdeka question.
An Iban girl from Sarawak receiving a PERKIM souvenir bag presented by Jais Mariappan after answering a Malaysian Independence question.
Dr Adam Wong Yun Kang (left) presenting a PERKIM souvenir bag while engaging in da’wah with the audience.
PERKIM Melaka preachers conversing and engaging in dakwah with foreign tourists.
Foreign tourists receiving PERKIM souvenir bags from PERKIM Melaka preachers.
Akram taking a selfie with foreign tourists after a friendly da’wah encounter.
PERKIM Melaka preachers taking a selfie with foreign tourists after presenting souvenir bags.
Jais Mariappan presenting a souvenir bag containing brochures to members of the Indian community.
PERKIM preachers and volunteers posing for a photo after completing the street dakwah mission to non-Muslims.
