PMLK celebrates Ramadan Iftar with local communities

To appreciate the blessings of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) recently organized a breaking of fast – or popularly referred to its Arabic term as Iftar – in a congregation between its students and the surrounding local communities at the Gambang Mosque. 

Dubbed the “Program Iftar Perdana Mahasiswa & Masyarakat”, the Iftar congregation on May 11, 2019, is one of the university’s continuous programmes of endearing the students to the locals. 

It was jointly coordinated by UMP’s Off-Campus Students Association (PMLK), Department of Student Affairs & Alumni (JHEPA), Students Council (MPP), Academic Staff Association (PAKAD), Department of Social Skills from the Centre of Modern Languages & Human Sciences (PBMSK), together with the representatives from Makmur Gambang Jaya Residents Association.
 
According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the programme is essentially one of many efforts undertaken by UMP to build rapport and foster good relationship between its PMLK and the surrounding non-university residents.

“The Iftar Perdana programme is certainly a positive platform for the university’s off-campus students, especially in helping them build rapport and communicate with the local communities, under a warm and friendly ambience,” said Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie.

What was interesting to see at the Iftar Perdana, he highlighted, was the goodwill contribution of raw materials for the breaking of fast dishes, like fish and vegetables, from the local residents. 
 
Such noble and encouraging act is part of the university’s ongoing initiatives, under the UMP Campus Pantry and MyGift UMP umbrella programmes, to pool contributions for the needy students – of which, was apparently and mutually enjoyed by both on- and off-campus students and the local communities at the Iftar Perdana.

Meanwhile, Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences (CMLHS) Head of Department (Social Skills), Dr. Rohana Hamzah, who doubles as PMLK Advisor, said UMP holds in high regards the importance of holistic development of its undergraduates.

“On that note, developing leadership traits and social skills for off-campus students is seen as a necessity, taking into consideration the external and challenging ‘real world’ situations they have to face daily. Living off-campus is actually an opportunity for these students to develop themselves to better manage post-graduation real life,” Dr. Rohana emphasized.

“Indirectly, PMLK can be the right platform to encourage the off-campus students into being accustomed to taking leadership roles within their community, into being community leaders after they graduate,” she pointed out.
 
From another point of view, the Iftar Perdana Programme Director, Muhd Haziq Abdul Halim, said such Iftar congregation can definitely help the needy students at the university get easy access to preparing meals for their breaking of fast.

“As a matter of fact, the Iftar Perdana programme creates a stronger bond among the students, as well as with the local residents, when they helped each other cook and prepare the Iftar meals,” he said jubilantly.

Over 500 people attended the Iftar Perdana, where they were served with specially-cooked dishes for the evening – like Ayam Masak Kurma, Ayam Masak Merah, Ikan Kerisi Goreng, vegetables, fruits and desserts. A short talk on the blessings of Ramadan was also presented by UMP lecturer, Dr. Mohd Suharmi Mat Jusoh. 

Also representing UMP at the Iftar Perdana were Dean of CMLHS, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Nubli Abdul Wahab; Senior Executive of JHEPA’s Welfare Department, Azlina Abdul Mubin; and MPP President, Zakwan Zulkifle; while the local guests were the Chief of Police for Gambang District, SM Mohd Hanif Ahmad; and Head of Committee for the Makmur Gambang Jaya Residents Association, Wan Esa Wan Mohd.