Johor's Friday Charity Meal Programme Making A Difference

MERSING, June 5 (Bernama) – For senior citizens such as Roslan Zapar and Jamil Arshad, Johor's Friday Charity Meal Programme  offers more than just a free lunch every week.

The initiative, implemented by the Johor government, has helped ease daily expenses for many residents while strengthening the role of mosques as centres of welfare and community engagement.

A check by Bernama at Kampung Baru/Air Tawar Mosque here found that 175 food packs comprising rice and side dishes are distributed to congregants every Friday, benefiting various segments of the community, including senior citizens and the asnaf group.

The mosque's chairman, Mohamad Nazir Chan, 50, said the programme has received an encouraging response since its introduction and has enabled assistance to reach those who need it most.

He said the initiative, inspired by the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has also encouraged more residents to attend the mosque while fostering closer ties between the institution and the local community.

“We were delighted to receive funding to implement this programme because we have seen firsthand the benefits it brings to local residents. So far, the distribution process has run smoothly and the response has been very positive,” he told Bernama.

Mohamad Nazir, who has led the mosque's management for the past three years, said Kampung Baru/Air Tawar comprises about 300 households and that the programme has indirectly strengthened ties between the mosque and residents.

For Roslan, 67, the initiative has helped reduce daily living expenses, particularly for senior citizens and asnaf recipients like himself.

The father of three said he was grateful to receive the meals provided through the programme, which helped ease his financial burden.

“At the very least, I can enjoy lunch without having to spend money,” he said.

Roslan, who suffers from gastritis, currently receives assistance from the Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department (JKM), while earning an income through the sale of fertiliser.

Jamil, 72, said the programme has greatly helped him and his 70-year-old wife.

“Even one food pack is enough for the two of us to share because my wife is no longer strong enough to cook. This initiative may seem small, but it has a huge impact on senior citizens like us,” said the retired civil servant.

Meanwhile, Kampung Baru/Air Tawar Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Azmi Liman said the programme has contributed positively to the wellbeing of the local community.

He said the village has more than 2,000 residents, with an estimated 150 to 200 people categorised as living in hardcore poverty.

“This programme not only helps those in need but also nurtures the culture of giving and strengthens the relationship between the mosque and the community.

“We have also seen individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) come forward with contributions after witnessing the benefits enjoyed by residents,” he said.

Azmi said such initiatives complement the cash assistance received by the people and help ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups remains protected.

A review of social media posts found that many netizens had responded positively to the programme, describing it as a meaningful initiative for those in need.

Facebook user, Danial Hakimi, commented on a related post that the programme reflected the concern shown by the royal institution and the state government towards the welfare of the people.

“Alhamdulillah, it may seem simple to provide meals, but it means a great deal to those in need. The concern shown by the Regent of Johor and the state government truly benefits the people,” he said.

For this year, the state government has allocated RM26.9 million for the programme at 538 mosques and surau throughout Johor.

As of the first quarter of this year, the Friday Charity Meal Programme had been carried out at 5,660 mosques and surau statewide, involving an allocation of RM5.66 million.

Of the total amount, RM1.13 million came from contributions by participating mosques and surau, further strengthening their role as one-stop centres that balance religious obligations with community welfare.

– BERNAMA