By Munirah Mansor, Wan Muhammad Khairi Wan Zamzuri, Abdullah Wan Jaapa | Centre for Student Development and Empowerment, HEPA, UMT

As part of its mission to nurture graduates with empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, the Student Affairs and Alumni Office (HEPA) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently organised the Eratkan Kasih, Santuni Insan 2025 programme in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur.

This outreach initiative saw UMT students engaging with the homeless community by preparing and distributing meals for iftar and sahur, as well as donating pre-loved clothing.

The effort was carried out in collaboration with the Student Affairs Department of Universiti Malaya (UM) and Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan, a street outreach organisation.

HEPA Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the programme supports the university’s aim of developing socially conscious graduates.

“Through activities like this, students can better understand the struggles faced by the underprivileged and embrace humanitarian values crucial to personal growth,” he said.

Programme Director Muhammad Afiq Naqiuddin bin Mohd Afizal, who is also the Volunteerism and Leadership Exco of the 2024/2025 UMT Student Representative Council, expressed hope that the initiative would inspire students and benefit the communities served.

“It is both a charitable act and a learning opportunity for students to connect with real societal issues,” he added.

The programme focused its efforts around Lorong Haji Taib 2, a known area for the homeless in Kuala Lumpur, to ensure those in need would receive assistance. Meals and clothing were distributed with the help of volunteers, including students, university staff, and representatives from Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan. The pre-loved clothes, donated by students, staff, and the community through a recent programme organized by UMT Student Representative Council, were sorted and distributed based on recipients’ needs.

In addition to physical aid, the UMT Counselling and Student Wellness Centre (PKKM) offered Psychological First Aid (PFA) sessions, providing basic psychological support to those facing emotional challenges, social stigma, and difficult life circumstances.

Adding a personal touch to the initiative, UMT Student Representative Council President Muhammad Aqasha Mukris Zainuri organised a free haircut service for homeless children. The service was well received, bringing joy and boosting the children’s confidence, Muhammad Aqasha said.

One of the recipients, Puan Nor, 50, was grateful for the given assistance.

“Thank you to all the volunteers for carrying out this programme,” she said, expressing her appreciation. “It has brought us closer together in this holy month.”

She also expressed hope for the continuation of this programme in the future, with a focus on knowledge-sharing and career development, to provide long-term benefits for those in need.