YCM’s big-hearted role in helping ‘asnaf’

By Aini Nabilah Sharipuddin

GOMBAK, 1 June 2021: Youth Care Malaysia (YCM) recently launched a programme called “Seikat Ketupat Semangkuk Rendang” (SKSR) to restore the spirit of joy in celebrating Eid for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme carried out by youth volunteers on 8 May brought the concept of distribution by Infaq’ aimed at cultivating a caring spirit among adolescents to be more responsible and aware of their surroundings and those in need. 

Infaq’ items such as compulsory dishes during Eid, like rendang and ketupat, were distributed simultaneously in 13 states across Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, benefiting a total of 280 asnaf families.

The uniqueness of the programme was in the concept of a “mangkuk tingkat”  or tiffin carrier promoted as a food packaging medium symbolically represented by SKSR. The programme also served to return the Eid festival’s joy to some needy and affected groups. 

Tiffin carriers used for packaging of food

“The tiffin carrier represents old Malay customs of sharing sustenance with the neighbourhood, while the rendang and ketupat serve as a main course on Eid morning.

We can achieve the desired result by combining tiffin carrier, rendang and ketupat, as well as developing an Infaq Raya programme “‘Seikat Ketupat Semangkuk Rendang,” YCM project director, Adam Hashel said.

Interestingly, one fact about this SKSR Infaq’ Raya programme is that it also received support and response from the non-Muslim community who participated in the distribution of the food.

“I don’t see it from the perspective of assisting the Muslim community. However, I see it from the perspective of a Malaysian who is assisting other Malaysians in their festival celebrations. I believe happiness is something that should be shared,” said Dashineswer, one of the contributors to the SKSR programme.

YCM, a non-governmental organisation, has entered its third year of its establishment collaborating with companies like Julie’s and TBR Educare and several other sponsors such as CP Malaysia, Ideal Cottage Homestay, HV Ideal, ZD Advertising & Social Enterprise, in ensuring success of the programme.

Other sponsors include the Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Custom Perlis, Pangco Jaya Sdn Bhd, Zalla Exclusive, Sister’s Sweets, State Perak, FazzGroup Enterprise, Shaz Cookies, Kuih Siput Superb and Malaysia Association of Youth Club Kawasan Bachok.

The youth volunteers distributing the infaq’ items

It has become YCM’s tradition to choose one state as the programme’s main coordinator, and this year Kedah was chosen as host alongside the slogan #YouthCareKongsiRaya in advocating the public. 

Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Haji Awang bin Hashim was also present to officiate the SKSR programme in Kedah. Social media personalities such as Zafir Karipap, Nazafee Tee, Jabir Meftah and Arifee Tee participated in distributing the items to the asnaf in the state.

Further information on Youth Care Malaysia and details of programmes visit their website www.youthcaremalaysia.com. Readers may also follow their social media sites Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ***

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