By, Anis Shahira
MERSING, 12 July 2026: Kasih Insani: Humanitarian Engagement with Kampung Air Papan was successfully organised by the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages Students Society (CASTELLAN) at Dataran Pantai Air Papan, Mersing. The volunteering programme was joined by 36 students from IIUM Pagoh, attracted more than 100 residents from Kampung Air Papan and the surrounding areas.
Held in collaboration with the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) Johor and Southern Volunteers Mersing District, the programme aimed to provide humanitarian assistance, strengthen ties between university students and the local community, and foster strategic partnerships with external organisations.
To achieve these objectives, the programme featured a series of humanitarian and community engagement activities throughout the day. One of the programme’s key highlights was a free health screening conducted by MRA with the support of IIUM Pagoh students and Southern Volunteers. The programme also featured several educational exhibitions by Malaysian government agencies, including the Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM) and Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK), which aimed to raise public awareness of health, safety, and drug prevention.
In addition, the Kampung Air Merah Community Stingless Bee Farming Project showcased community-based entrepreneurship initiatives, providing participants with insights into sustainable local economic development.
According to Programme Manager Aman Faiz, the programme had been planned for more than five months to ensure its smooth implementation. He explained that the participation of IIUM Pagoh students and Southern Volunteers was intended to provide young people with opportunities to build meaningful connections with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and potential collaborative partners.
“We hope these experiences and networks will benefit our students as they prepare for their future careers while continuing to serve the community,” he said.
Student volunteers also demonstrated their commitment to community service by distributing 100 food aid baskets sponsored by MRA Johor to underprivileged families, elderly residents, and homebound beneficiaries.
Beyond humanitarian assistance, the programme promoted community inclusivity by engaging participants of all ages through a variety of recreational activities. Mini games for children, a tug-of-war competition for adult men, and a cooking competition for adult women created opportunities for meaningful interaction between student volunteers and members of the Kampung Air Papan community while strengthening the spirit of ukhuwah among participants.
The success of Kasih Insani: Humanitarian Engagement with Kampung Air Papan reflects the shared commitment of CASTELLAN, MRA Johor, Southern Volunteers Mersing District, and the local community in fostering meaningful partnerships through volunteerism. The programme is expected to inspire more youth-led humanitarian initiatives that promote community empowerment, strengthen social solidarity, and encourage active civic engagement in the future.***
