Johor’s Friday Infaq Programme Strengthens Unity, Aids The Needy

JOHOR BAHRU, June 1 (Bernama) -- The Johor Friday Infaq programme, initiated by the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, continues to serve as a unifying platform for the community by providing free lunch to all Bangsa Johor, regardless of race or religion, every week. 

Implemented at selected mosques and surau across the state, the initiative not only helps ease the people’s cost of living but also revitalises the role of mosques as centres of welfare and unity, by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. 

A congregant at Masjid Kampung Melayu Majidee, Osman Nasir, 76, said the programme offers tangible benefits as anyone visiting the mosque compound is welcomed to enjoy the meals provided. 

“This programme is excellent as it does not limit assistance to Muslims alone. Anyone passing by or stopping, including non-Muslim residents in the area, can enjoy the free lunch together.

“Every week, we see many people coming, including students. This effort clearly shows that mosques are not only places of worship but also welfare centres that care for all members of society,” he told Bernama here.

Maahad Al-Syatirie Johor Bahru tahfiz student, Ibnu Azuri Abdul Rahim, 11, said the programme was a great opportunity to enjoy lunch and strengthen bonds with his friends every week. 

For volunteer Mohd Rodzi Kader, 55, the initiative is a proactive step in reaching out to people from various backgrounds, especially amid rising lunch prices at restaurants. 

“At least on Fridays, anyone facing financial constraints or looking to save does not have to worry about their lunch expenses. The meals are free for everyone,” he said. 

Meanwhile, a survey on social media platforms found that most netizens responded positively, praising the inclusive approach taken by the state government. 

Facebook user Muhammad Ibnu Shakur, in a comment on a related post, said the initiative aligns well with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which encourage feeding people regardless of religious background.

“When non-Muslims come to the mosque to get food, it opens an opportunity for outreach through good conduct. This is the beauty of Islam, spreading compassion and goodwill to all. Congratulations to the Johor Menteri Besar and the state government for upholding the Prophet’s teachings,” he said. 

A Bernama observation at the mosque found a variety of free lunch and side menus being served, including nasi lemak, nasi ayam masak merah, local pastries such as curry puffs and samosas, fruits, cordial drinks and mineral water. 

For this year, the state government has allocated RM26.9 million for the implementation of 26,900 programmes involving 538 mosques and surau across Johor.

As of the first quarter of this year, 5,660 programmes have been implemented in mosques and surau statewide, involving an allocation of RM5.66 million. 

Of that amount, RM1.13 million came from contributions by the mosques and surau involved, further strengthening their role as one-stop centres, balancing religious and social welfare needs of the community. 

-- BERNAMA