USM PENANG, 25 February 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today organised an ‘Iftar Perdana’ event together with guests of honour, the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib and wife, Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Dato’ Seri Utama Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah.

Held at the compounds of Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, Pusat Islam USM, the event started at 6.15 pm and saw the attendance of the University top management, the campus community, students, guests from government agencies and industries and the surrounding community, all gathered to celebrate the observance of fasting in conjunction with the blessed month of Ramadan.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, in his welcoming speech expressed his gratitude to both guests of honour, in making time to be with the campus and the surrounding communities in this event.

He further said, the organisation of this ‘iftar perdana’ is among the scheduled activities in the ‘Ihya’ Ramadan USM’ agenda, coordinated by ‘Pusat Islam’ under the University Ramadan Activities Committee.

“This programme has become a tradition at USM each Ramadan, symbolising togetherness and concern for the campus community as well as the surrounding community,” he said.

This year, 15 major activities have been planned throughout Ramadan, which began as early as in the month of ‘Syaaban’ with the launch of ‘Hilal Ramadan’ and which will culminate with the ‘Aidilfitri’ celebration in the month of ‘Syawal’ soon.

USM provides iftar meals daily throughout the month of Ramadan for approximately 1,500 individuals, comprising students, staff and members of the local community.

Abdul Rahman also expressed his appreciation for the continued support from the Penang State Government and agencies that channel zakat contributions to assist students in the asnaf and B40 categories. The support serves as an important catalyst in strengthening the education and welfare agenda for students, in line with the University’s commitment to ensuring that these groups can continue their studies without the fear of dropping out due to financial constraints.

In addition to that, contributions were also handed and then followed by souvenirs presented to respective parties, recitation of ‘doa’ and also prayers held in congregation and continued with the ‘Isyak’ and ‘Tarawih’ prayers.

The organisation of the ‘Iftar Perdana’ event with the Penang TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri reflects the continued commitment of USM in strengthening strategic relations with the State Government while promoting the values of well-being, volunteerism and togetherness among the University community and society at large.

Also present at the event were Penang Deputy Chief Minister, YB Dato' Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid and wife; Consul-General of Japan in Penang, HE Machida Shinya; Consul-General of Thailand in Penang, HE Psusist Wongsurawat; Exercising the Functions of Chairman of the USM Board of Governors, Hon. Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Hassan Said; Penang State Mufti, Hon. Sahibus Samahah, Associate Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Sukki Othman; Chairman of USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd., Hon. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim; members of USM Board of Governors; USM Management Committee members; Director, ‘Pusat Islam’ USM, Ustaz Zayd Zhari; Heads of Government Agencies; Key University Officials; Special Guests from industries and surrounding communities; sponsors; student leaders; ‘Iftar Perdana’ USM committee members and members of the press.

The ceremony ended at 10.00 pm with light supper.

Text: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @ MPRC USM / Translator: Mazlan Hanafi Basharuddin / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Muhamad Faris Dawisy Mohammad Rafiq