KUCHING: NextGen Petra Jaya, an initiative for youth, has extended its outreach programmes to include community engagement beyond fasting during the month of Ramadan.
This is line with Ramadan being a month of reflection, charity, and unity.
“Ramadan is not only a sacred month for Muslims but also an opportunity to foster unity and give back to the community,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is Petra Jaya MP.
As part of their efforts, NextGen Petra Jaya has provided aid to 136 individuals, including 91 from the Toh Puan Hajjah Norkiah Children’s Home and 45 from Madrasah Darul Uloom Islamiyyah Kuching and Madrasah Bidayatul Muhtadin.
Beyond financial assistance, they are also facilitating donations and support through mosque-based initiatives, ensuring a bigger impact on the local community.
Speaking at the Iftar Jamaie Petra Jaya programme held at the Al-Ghazali Mosque on Monday (March 17), Fadillah paid tribute to the movement’s dedication to voluntary service.
“From the beginning, our young people have shown a strong desire to engage in voluntary work.
“This passion ultimately led to the formation of NextGen, where young individuals work hand-in-hand with local leaders to execute diverse programmes,” he said.
These programmes include leadership training, skill development, social empowerment, and community support initiatives.
“Among the most notable efforts is the Iftar Jamaie Petra Jaya programme, which takes a proactive approach by visiting homes to identify those in need, particularly struggling families and young individuals who require assistance.
“This is not just about distributing aid to orphans and the underprivileged.
“It’s about ensuring that those who truly need help receive it meaningfully and effectively,” he added.
He said Islamic teachings emphasise that true belief comes from loving and caring for one another, a principle NextGen Petra Jaya aims to instil in young leaders.
“It is crucial to ensure that our future leaders are trained to sustain and drive progress.
“If our young generation is strong, our future will be brighter,” he stated, stressing the importance of investing in leadership development to shape a progressive and resilient society.
