Muhammad Syafiq (standing) giving the home’s residents new baju Melayu. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
NESTLED among industrial buildings along Jalan Bangi Lama in Kampung Sungai Purun, Semenyih in Selangor, is a welfare home where its 47 residents are happy to usher in Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The Pusat Jagaan Mahmudah Malaysia has invested effort into ensuring residents get the complete Raya experience despite their personal challenges.
Established in 2016 by Persatuan Kebajikan Mahmudah Malaysia, the centre is home to residents aged between 38 and 90, who are either sick, disabled, abandoned or poor.
Association secretary Muhammad Syafiq Mohiadin, 35, said the committee did its best to look for sponsorships and donations to bring festive cheer.
“With the help of some physically-capable residents, decorative ketupat lights, ornaments with Raya motifs and stickers sponsored by companies, are put up around the home,” he said.
The centre’s residents putting up decorations to welcome Hari Raya.
“Though simple, it gives the home a festive atmosphere.”
On the first day of Syawal, residents gather in the morning to pray before asking for forgiveness among themselves and the caretakers, which is a customary act of reconciliation for Malaysian Muslims.
Raya delicacies such as ketupat, rendang and lemang are also prepared, to complete the experience.
To liven up the day, residents have performances and sing along to popular Raya songs as well as Malay songs from the ’60s to the ’80s.
Muhammad Syafiq said the home would be open to visitors so that they could celebrate the occasion with residents.
“Visitors are not required to bring anything because the elderly only pine for people to chat with,” he said.
“However, corporations, organisations and neighbouring residents associations are welcome to organise events at the home in conjunction with Raya.”
He said the association had not missed its tradition of hosting open house every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We extend invitations to neighbouring communities, donors and the public who are keen to join us to make our Raya celebration livelier.
“We hope to uplift residents’ spirits when we host the open house as this is a way of reassuring them that they are cherished and valued,” Muhammad Syafiq said.
This year, the centre’s open house is taking place on May 5.
Muhd Aripin enjoy singing for residents and visitors.
Muhd Aripin Umar, 79, fondly known as the home’s own “Salim I”, enjoys singing for residents and visitors.
Salim I was a Malaysian singer who sang in the “pop yeh yeh” style of the 1960s.
Faridah says celebrating the festive season with her friends at the home is the best part of Raya.“Anytime there is a programme such as the annual open house, I would be invited to sing to welcome and entertain guests.
“I personally love singing my favourite songs, especially Bimbang Serumpun Kasih Terbuang by EYE and Pujaan Hatiku by Salim I, which the crowd enjoys too,” said Muhd Aripin.
This year, he is celebrating his fifth Raya at the home.
“I look forward to eating bahulu, kuih bakar and nasi impit, which are among my favourite Raya dishes,” he said.
Resident Faridah Isa, 68, who enjoys celebrating with her friends at the home, is glad the festive occasion has arrived.
“I have made friends in my two years of living here, which makes it a lot less lonely being without family,” she said.
“Being able to wear new clothes and spending time with my friends make Raya all the more meaningful because such celebrations are best enjoyed in the company of people.
“For future Raya events, I plan to help with food preparations by cooking alongside staff and making kuih raya with the residents.
Sakiah looks forward to eating lemang during Raya.Just like Faridah, 78-year-old Sakiah Tomihan cannot wait to get dressed in her best for Raya.
“When I was younger, I used to make kuih raya and cook a spread of dishes for Hari Raya.
“But I am unable to do so now because of my age and condition,” said Sakiah who is looking forward to eating lemang – a Raya must-have.
“However, I do give my input to the cooks involved in preparing food for us on Raya.
“It feels great to still be able to lend a helping hand and to be surrounded by like-minded people who share the same passion in spreading cheer through food during Raya,” she added.
Despite facing vision loss, Ibrahim Jusoh, 70, maintains unwavering determination to join in the celebrations.
“I find joy in fasting during Ramadan and I am excited about the Syawal month too, since they are both connected,” he said.
Ibrahim finds joy in fasting during Ramadan and is excited about the Syawal month too.“I like everything about Raya, especially when I get to spend the celebration with other residents.
“I am very grateful for the community here and hope that we can celebrate Raya with cheer and smiles every year,” he said.
Muhammad Syafiq said the centre needed funds for projects carried out by the association aside from daily necessities such as food, soap and cleaning products.
He said donations of medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks were also welcome.
For details, call 03-8723 2394 or 017-378 6804 (Muhammad Syafiq).
