BERITA KAMPUS
Issue
Written on 10th April 2024
GAPP PRACTICES THE BEAUTY OF GIVING DURING RAMADAN
Members of Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP) handing out meals to the public. (Picture by Sumayya Fauzi)
MAIN CAMPUS, 10TH APRIL - Members of Gabung Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have gathered together during Ramadan to distribute meals to the homeless and public surrounding Georgetown, Penang.
According to the project director of the program, Muhammad Nazifie Khan Mohd Najib Khan, the program which took place on March 30th was hosted to nurture feelings of concern and sympathy among students of USM towards the underprivileged while encouraging them to ponder on ways they could assist the people around them.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to share the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah SWT with the less unfortunate individuals, such as the homeless. We cannot overlook those in need as we are aware of ways to alleviate some of their hardships, especially during Ramadan,” said Muhammad Nazifie.
Muhammad Nazifie also stated that this is the first time GAPP conducted a program of distributing food to the homeless.
“Though this is our first time, GAPP has always organized similar initiatives to this in our previous programs such as volunteering and distributing “bubur lambuk” to people breaking their fast and they have also been done during the month of Ramadan in the previous years,” added Muhammad Nazifie.
Muhammad Nazifie stated that the team had chosen Komtar and Padang Kota as the two main spots to distribute the meals to the homeless and the public.
“Many homeless people are sleeping and seeking shelter on sidewalks surrounding Georgetown. Additionally, they often gather in groups, making it easier for us to distribute meals to them in Komtar. We typically spot them in the alleys below Komtar, Prangin Mall, 1st Avenue and around the bus station,” said Muhammad Nazifie.
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Meals prepared and stacked by the members of Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP). (Picture by Sumayya Fauzi)
The head EXCO of GAPP’s community and volunteer department, Muhammad Atif Suhaimi, stated that they had patrolled the area before the program was conducted.
“The spots we have chosen are strategic. It is also safe since there are passersby and the area is not too dark for the members to do their job,” said Muhammad Atif.
Muhammad Nazifie stated that though the homeless and public are their prime target, students of USM are also their target audience throughout their program as they want to ensure that students are aware of the importance of helping those in need and aim to foster feelings of love, concern, sympathy and self-identity among them.
“Simultaneously, as residents of Malaysia, we want to demonstrate to citizens how crucial it is to support one another regardless of our differences in status and race,” added Muhammad Nazifie.
However, Muhammad Atif stated that they had to make amendments to the program’s tentative due to the sudden rainfall and other unexpected challenges.
“Due to the sudden rainfall, the changes we made to the tentative was a challenge as the program was supposed to commence at 1 am and was changed to 2 am after the rain had stopped. Aside from the weather, some homeless people appeared shocked and scared by our presence when we were distributing food. There were incidents where they almost hit us too. Thus, we took the initiative to place their meals beside them quietly when they were sleeping without bothering them,” said Muhammad Atif.
Muhammad Nazifie stated that they would even consider organizing a program involving the homeless at Pusat Transit Gelandangan as they aspire to distribute more meals and extend their assistance to others in need as a way to improve future programs such as this.
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Text: Sumayya Fauzi/Photo: Sumayya Fauzi
Created on 10th April
