Nearly 1,000 Residents Join UKM Sentuhan Kasih Community Outreach Programme In Johor

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- Nearly 1,000 members of the local community participated in the Sentuhan Kasih UKM@Johor programme organised by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through its Student Affairs Centre (HEP-UKM)to strengthen ties between the university and the community through various outreach activities.

In a statement, UKM said the programme, held last Saturday and Sunday under the theme “Dari Kampus ke Komuniti, Menyebar Kasih dan Bakti” (From Campus to Community, Spreading Love and Service) in Kota Masai, Pasir Gudang, Kampung Baru Sri Aman and Taman Jaringan in Skudai, Johor, involved the participation of 78 members of the UKM community.

A range of activities were carried out, including gotong-royong programmes, “ziarah kasih” visits, mental health screening and sports activities with residents. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also attended the programme.

HEP-UKM director Assoc Prof Dr Darfizzi Derawi, who is also the chairman of the Sentuhan Kasih UKM@Johor programme, said student participation in such initiatives provides valuable exposure to real-world community engagement beyond campus life.

“Universities should not be confined within campus walls. We need to engage directly with society. Through interaction with the community, students learn to adapt, communicate effectively and develop soft skills that cannot be gained solely through classroom learning,” he said.

He added that the Sentuhan Kasih programme would be expanded periodically to other states as part of UKM’s efforts to strengthen its community outreach network nationwide.

Meanwhile, Kota Delima Zone Community Leader Herman Ismadi Ismail said the programme allowed residents to get to know UKM better and gain exposure to the university’s initiatives and opportunities.

Although around 80 per cent of residents in the area work in the industrial sector and are often occupied during weekends, he said the response remained encouraging, with strong participation and cooperation from the local community.

As part of the programme, UKM also conducted outreach visits to seven families of university students in the Tiram and Puteri Wangsa areas in Johor.

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring student welfare remains a priority throughout their studies.

“UKM not only aims to produce academically excellent graduates but also places strong emphasis on student well-being. Programmes like this embody values of compassion, togetherness and social responsibility in developing holistic human capital,” he said.

He added that support for students extends beyond financial assistance and represents a long-term investment to help them pursue their studies with greater focus, confidence and competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA