As schoolmates prepare to balik kampung with their families, the siblings will return to Yayasan Kasih Sayang Negri Sembilan, the shelter home where they have lived for over a decade.
The centre, which houses underprivileged children aged 10 to 17, is the only home they remember.
Despite their circumstances, though, the brothers still look forward to celebrating with fellow residents.
Muhammad Aris, a Form Five student from SMK Senaling near Seremban, said while the festive atmosphere may not be the same as in a kampung, caretakers and well-wishers made sure the children did not miss out.
“For years, organisations such as Matrix Concepts Foundation (MCF) have invited us to their buka puasa events during Ramadan.
“This year, the highlight was a shopping trip organised by MCF to purchase new clothes for Hari Raya,” he said.
Adam Mukhriz said he always looked forward to the annual iftar gatherings.
“I look forward to these events as I get to meet friends from other shelter homes, because, in a way, we are like an extended family.
“You really feel the Hari Raya vibes as everyone is dressed in their best outfits and there is so much food as well as performances,” he said.
Yayasan Kasih Sayang Negri Sembilan was one of four charities invited by MCF to an iftar gathering at d’Tempat Country Club in Bandar Seri Sendayan.
The other beneficiaries were shelter homes Darul Asnaf Seri Sendayan and Darul Asnaf Seri Tanjung Kuala Pilah, and Bengkel Seri Sembilan, a training centre for persons with disabilities.
Each organisation received a RM5,000 contribution from the foundation, the philanthropic arm of Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, while children from the shelter homes also enjoyed a shopping session at Jakel Senawang for festive outfits.
Also present at the dinner were 44 guests from Women of Will, a non-governmental organisation supporting women from low-income communities.
Guests enjoyed a heart- warming meal and were entertained with performances, including one by children from Darul Asnaf Seri Sendayan.
Wheelchair-bound Norazian Daud, 38, from Bengkel Seri Sembilan, attended the event with her husband and son.
Norazian, who has Marfan syndrome, has been a resident at the centre for 17 years and now serves as a supervisor.
The centre houses 56 residents aged 18 to 73, who are provided basic training in agriculture, with work proceeds supplementing their Social Welfare Department allowance.
At the 2024 Para Sukma games in Sarawak, Norazian won a gold medal in lawn bowling singles and a bronze in pairs, while her husband Shahriluzaily Md Rashid, 46, also in lawn bowls, won a gold and silver.
“We are lucky because of the exposure that sports has afforded us, but there are many persons with disabilities who do not have the same opportunities,” said Norazian.
“By including persons with disabilities at these events, it helps boost our confidence and reminds us that we are not forgotten by society.”
All guests received duit raya and goodie bags from the foundation.
Matrix Concepts Holdings group executive director Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan said Ramadan reminds people of their shared responsibility to care for one another.
“Through our ‘Beraya Di Mana Jua’ initiative, we aim to bring comfort, dignity and meaningful support to those who may not always have the means to celebrate Hari Raya.
“This reflects our belief in nurturing communities grounded in compassion, hope and inclusivity,” he said.
Also present were Matrix Concepts Holdings co-chief executive officer Chai Keng Wai, Matrix Concepts Foundation vice-president Datuk Batumalai Ramasamy and Darul Asnaf Seri Tanjung contributor Datin Nor Simah Meon.
