MORE than 1,000 volunteers joined a large-scale gotong- royong at the Mahmoodiah Islamic Cemetery in Johor Baru in an effort to preserve the cleanliness and sanctity of the burial grounds.
The initiative, organised by Dewan Teraju Usahawan dan Peniaga Bumiputera Johor, saw volunteers carrying out general cleaning, grass cutting, waste management and overall maintenance across 10 designated zones of the 11.7ha cemetery.
“We hope to establish our programme, Gerak Kasih Pusara, as a continuous platform for charitable deeds and community service,” said the group’s president Datuk Ismail Karim.
He added that the programme also promoted volunteerism and collective responsibility in preserving the sanctity of Islamic cemeteries.
Ismail expressed hope that the programme would continue as a model for nurturing humanitarian, spiritual and community values in Johor.
“It is a norm for Muslims that before the fasting month begins, we visit the graves of our loved ones to clean them.
“This initiative reminds us of the meaning of life and the importance of caring for places that hold deep religious and emotional significance for the community,” he said.
The event was carried out in collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and community groups including SWM Environment, Public Works Department, Health Ministry, Rela, Johor Syariah Court Office, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), ADTEC Pasir Gudang, Politeknik Metro and Kolej Yayasan Pelajar Johor.
