Victims in Gaza conflict, Myanmar earthquake not forgotten amid Hari Raya festivities: Masagos
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Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli speaking to the media at Masjid Al-Iman in Bukit Panjang on March 31.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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SINGAPORE – Victims of the conflict in Gaza and the earthquake in Myanmar have not been forgotten by the community in Singapore, even amid Hari Raya festivities.
Speaking to the media on March 31, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said that in the past month, more than $1 million has been raised in a campaign conducted by local charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation for humanitarian relief in Gaza
The donations will help provide food, medical supplies and essential goods to the people of Gaza.
Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, said: “I am glad that as we carry out the festivities, we have not forgotten those who are still suffering around us, and also those who recently met with calamity because of the earthquake.
“I hope that we always hand out generously to the victims, and give them some hope and some light amid their difficulties.”
Mr Masagos, who was speaking after he joined about 3,500 congregants at Masjid Al-Iman in Bukit Panjang for prayers, also showed appreciation to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) contingent
He noted that many in the 80-strong contingent are Muslim officers
“Many of (the SCDF personnel) are Muslim officers who left their families despite the Hari Raya period. Let us all thank them for the sacrifices they are making for our nation.”
The Operation Lionheart contingent, which includes four search canines, was sent to assist in rescue efforts in Myanmar after it was struck by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake
More than 1,700 people have died in Myanmar since the earthquake struck on March 28, and over 3,400 are reportedly injured.
The quake also hit neighbouring Thailand
After prayers, Mr Masagos thanked volunteers and staff of mosques in Singapore, who he said helped congregants carry out worship during the fasting month of Ramadan safely and peacefully in a multiracial and multicultural community.
The fasting month started on March 2 and ended on the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri on March 31.
Mr Masagos said: “We are very happy that in the tradition of Hari Raya, we have come together after a full month of fasting to say our grace and give thanks to God.
“At the same time, we also remember that we can do so because we are a united community, and therefore strong.”
He added: “We inculcate trust between ourselves and other communities so that everyone can carry out their acts of worship in peace and in confidence.”
Ms Nurul Suhana, 40, was at Masjid Al-Iman where Singapore’s top Islamic leader, Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, led the prayers.
“He reminded us of the values we’ve learnt during Ramadan, and urged us to continue to think about and pray for those overseas who are in plight,” she said.
Ms Nurul, who works in the education industry, added: “I also appreciate the fact that we live in a multicultural nation where Muslims have the freedom to celebrate our culture.
“In fact, my Chinese neighbour gave me cookies for Hari Raya, and I think this shows just how sincere and accepting everyone is.”
Congregants also marked the end of Ramadan at Masjid Muhajirin in Braddell Road, where Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Saktiandi Supaat, grassroots leaders and volunteers handed out around 1,200 butter cakes.
Volunteers including Ms Cindy Chia helped to bake the cakes at the weekend and distribute them.
The 51-year-old account manager told The Straits Times: “Last year, we bought cookies and distributed them, so I found it more heartfelt and personal that we baked butter cakes this time.
“It was quite nice to see people smiling when I handed over a freshly baked cake.”
Volunteer Cindy Chia (second from left) handing out cakes to congregants at Muhajirin Mosque in Braddell Road on March 31.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Ms Chia is a member of the Toa Payoh West-Thomson Malay Activity Executive Committee, which she joined in 2023.
The group organises events to deepen bonds in the Malay community and further integrate it into the larger Singapore society.
Ms Chia said: “I joined the committee to better understand the richness of the Malay culture.
“All races have their own culture and celebrations, so this event is a good opportunity to see how Hari Raya is celebrated and to commemorate it with them.”
