JOHOR BAHRU, March 18 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to promote a culture of knowledge and social compassion through the Khatam al-Quran and Grand Iftar Ceremony. This event is held in conjunction with YAPEIM’s Ramadan Madani Program for the year 1446H/2025M at Masjid Sultan Ismail, UTM Johor Bahru. The annual ceremony aims to cultivate a love for the Quran within the university community while fostering unity and social empathy.
UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, emphasized the university’s commitment to enriching the month of Ramadan through a variety of beneficial activities. He highlighted the “Tabung Ihya’ Ramadan” (Ramadan Revival Fund) as a platform for the public to contribute to iftar programs and provide support to those in need.
This year’s event was made even more meaningful thanks to the support of various organizations. The Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM) contributed RM100.00 in ‘duit raya’ to 100 UTM students and sponsored RM10,000.00 for the Iftar program. Additionally, 200 primary and secondary school students in Johor received RM100.00 each in ‘duit raya’ from YAPEIM. Meanwhile, Ikbal Salam & Associates donated RM12,000.00 to the “Tabung Ihya’ Ramadan” to support UTM’s welfare programs throughout the holy month.
Through its Islamic Center, UTM actively organizes various programs during Ramadan, including Khatam al-Quran sessions and daily iftar meals for 500 to 600 individuals. They also host Quran Recitation and Tilawah Programs, along with physical and online lectures and ‘tazkirah’. Special activities such as Qiyamulail (night prayers) during the last ten nights of Ramadan and ‘sahur’ meals are conducted to encourage spiritual growth. The Halaqah Tadabbur Muslimat Program and the USR Ihya’ Ramadan UTM initiative further strengthen community engagement.
To facilitate the campus community’s fulfillment of religious obligations, zakat fitrah payment services are available at the Islamic Center and designated responsibility centers (PTJs). To sustain these initiatives, public contributions to the “Tabung Ihya’ Ramadan” are welcomed to ensure the continuation of daily iftar events and other charitable activities.
Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry expressed UTM’s deep appreciation to its donors and strategic partners, including Ikbal Salam & Associates, UTM Alumni, the UTM School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE), YAPEIM, the Department of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) (JTNCHEPA), the Department of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) (JTNC(P)), and the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU). He also acknowledged the contributions of individual and corporate donors to the Ramadan fund. Additionally, he extended special thanks to UTM staff and volunteers for their dedication to ensuring the success of the Ramadan programs.
During the event coverage, interviews were conducted with international students who volunteered in food preparation for the Grand Iftar, sharing their experiences of Ramadan in Malaysia. Osamah Mohammed Saleh Ba Tis from Yemen, a Faculty of Chemical & Energy Engineering (FKT) student, shared that this was his third Ramadan in Malaysia. He expressed that while Ramadan has always been wonderful in Malaysia, this year felt particularly special because he had the opportunity to volunteer at Masjid Sultan Ismail, which made the experience more meaningful than in previous years. He emphasized that his motivation to volunteer comes from religious teachings, especially Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) emphasis on helping others. Osamah also finds joy in spending time with his fellow volunteers, whom he considers brothers.
When asked about celebrating Eid in Malaysia, Osamah mentioned that he plans to celebrate with his community and friends at UTM, including his teammates from the Pencak Silat Club. He noted that one unique aspect of Eid in Malaysia is that the celebration lasts an entire month.
Mohanad Khaled Qasem Al-Sabri, another volunteer from Yemen studying at FKT, shared that this is his second Ramadan in Malaysia. Initially, he believed that fasting in a foreign country would be challenging. However, he discovered that Malaysia offers a welcoming and religiously vibrant environment, which made him feel at home. He expressed that his motivation for volunteering stemmed from the happiness he experiences when helping others, especially when he sees their smiles.
Through these collaborative efforts, UTM continues to enhance its reputation as a leading educational institution, excelling not only in academics but also in community welfare and social responsibility. Contributions to the “Tabung Ihya Ramadan UTM” are still welcome to support these meaningful initiatives and ensure their sustainability for the years to come.
Notable attendees at the event included Dr. Shamsul Azhar Yahya, Deputy General Manager and Section Head of Thought Leadership at YAPEIM; Professor Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, UTM Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni; Professor Ts. Dr. Edy Tonnizam Mohamad, UTM Deputy Vice Chancellor for Development; Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Che Yaacob, Director of the UTM Islamic Centre; and Tuan Hj Mohd Azman Mohd Yunos, Senior Assistant Director of the Islamic Education Sector at the Johor State Education Department.