By Alya Nadiah
GOMBAK, 20 May 2019 “ IIUM student Azrulkhan Hasrullah Matsah was selected as the recipient of this year’s Anugerah Belia Perdana 2019 at the œHari Belia Negara 2019″ celebrations recently.
He received the award from Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, at the ceremony held at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak (DECTAR), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi last Wednesday (15 May).
Azrulkhan, an OKU (orang kelainan upaya or the disabled) activist, carried out various kinds of humanity activities to help the OKU people in many ways, including the Humanity Hike that is coming up later this month (25 May).
He is pursuing his studies at postgraduate level in the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) but currently on leave from his studies due to his unstable financial situation.
The Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara 2019 (APBN19) is its 31st edition and the award was created to give recognition to individuals and organisations that have made a big contribution towards the development of youth in Malaysia.
APBN19 consists of three categories contested, namely organisation, female individual and male individual.
This year’s Hari Belia Negara was themed “Youth Power” which symbolised togetherness of youth and the government in their contributions towards society and nation building.
On receiving the award, Azrulkhan told IIUMToday, “Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful and happy to be appreciated for the small contribution I have done which I hope would inspire others to do more for society and the nation.”
“You don’t have to follow my footsteps, but kindness is the key and you need to take it from your heart,” Azrulkhan gave this expression to the youths.
In an official press statement, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said, “My Ministry is confident that the Hari Belia Negara 2019 celebrations will give a huge positive impact and achieve its objectives.
Other activities of the youth celebrations include œKonvensyen Belia Kebangsaan 2019, Iftar Belia 2019 and Mini Youth Business Expo (MYBEX).
Azrulkhan further said that he will be conducting a Humanity Hike during the month of Ramadan which is organised by OKYouth and Araneax Hopes CS. He called on those interested to join the Humanity Hike (Ramadan Edition) to seek blessings from Allah SWT and to help those who are special.
Participants will be charged a fee of RM60 per person which included iftar. The Humanity Hike will be held on 25 May at Bukit Besi Alam Damai from 5 p.m until 9 p.m.
Donations raised at the event will be channeled to Pertubuhan Pendidikan Islam Kanak-Kanak Kelainan Upaya Malaysia (PI3KUM).
For any inquiries or participation, kindly contact Azrulkhan himself at 017-8038067.***
