PETALING JAYA: Acts of kindness by the people can often do more to foster unity and goodwill than formal campaigns, slogans or organised initiatives.
For waiter Dicky Yau, that belief was reinforced through an unexpected friendship with mechanic and Minyak Hitam Jalanan founder Mohd Yusof Mohamed Noor after a chance encounter in April.
Yusof had stopped to help after Yau’s motorbike broke down on a highway at night.
When he found out that the rider could not afford the repairs, Yusof refused payment.
“Abang (brother) helped me when my motorbike chain broke. In that moment of hardship, he came to offer a helping hand,” Yau wrote on TikTok.
Their story quickly gained traction online, prompting an outpouring of support from Malay-sians of different backgrounds.
Many reached out to Yau, while others sought Yusof to commend him for his generosity.
“This is not about me. It is a story about the kindness that still thrives in our society,” Yau said.
The duo were recognised as Sahabat Perpaduan Madani by the National Unity Ministry in April.
Beyond individual acts of kindness, civil society groups said volunteerism, youth development, sports, entrepreneurship and community service programmes create opportunities for Malaysians from different backgrounds to build understanding and trust.
Federal Territory Youth Council (MBWP) information chief Prakash Mohan said the organisation uses the principles of Rukun Negara as the basis for many of its programmes.
“We promote active citizenship by empowering youth to become positive role models within their schools, workplaces and communities.
“By encouraging collaboration across different backgrounds and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, our programmes help translate the values of the Rukun Negara into everyday actions,” he said.
Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) chief executive officer Mohd Jamaludin Shamsudin said unity is built through regular interaction and shared purpose rather than mere slogans.
“Community service, volunteerism, youth development and welfare initiatives often bring people together more effectively as they create shared experiences and common goals.
“Working side by side helps build understanding and trust across racial, religious and social lines,” he said.
All Women’s Action Society (Awam) president Dr Lai Suat Yan said fostering understanding and respect across communities has been central to the organisation’s work for more than four decades.
She said Awam’s programmes provided safe spaces for Malaysians of different backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue and challenge stereotypes, while ensuring support services remain accessible to everyone.
Initiatives that brought together Malaysians from diverse communities was Awam’s Take Back the Night walk, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign last year, she added.
