JUNE 5 — It is coming to that time of year again. In slightly more than a week, the month of Ramadan will be upon us. 

Based on the experience of recent years, it can also be called the silly season of outrageous and inflammatory statements by overzealous people, and the suspension of rational and thinking behaviour by certain public figures due to hunger and thirst, and needing to outdo each other through acts of religious piety.

However, Ramadan is also a great time when we can come together and demonstrate our generosity and ability to do charity and good work towards the betterment of those in need.

Consider the making of bubur lambuk (rice porridge). Each year, generous benefactors donate huge sums of money for the making of this dish which is then distributed to the surrounding communities. In places like the Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque, thousands of people visit to grab a packet of this porridge filled with spices and meat to break their fast.

For the many who are homeless, poor and destitute living in the area this is a chance to fill their stomachs with warm and nutritious food which they can ill afford.

But with the potential to do so much good and help so many people in need during the month of Ramadan, why can’t the same charitable fervour be translatable or applicable throughout the year?

I must confess that I am often shocked by the huge sums involved in the making of bubur lambuk which seems to go higher and higher each year (random question: will materials used for its cooking be GST exempted? I am just asking).

In places like Kampung Baru, the need is great and the costs justified as it goes to those most deserving and needy but very often in other areas where the people are better off and a lot more fortunate, the porridge just goes back to those who donated. I would like to think that the making of this porridge isn’t to stuff the people but as an act of humanity and compassion towards those in need.

Besides individual acts of charity, there is also the issue of the allocation for charity as provided for under zakat.

Each year between RM600 million and RM800 million is collected from Muslims all over Malaysia who contribute 2.5 per cent of their annual income. Pusat Pungutan Zakat data also indicates that this amount appreciates by an average of around 20 per cent annually.

So where does the zakat money go to and who is receiving it, if they are able to get it?

Many of those attempting to secure assistance from zakat and Baitul mal commonly experience bureaucratic hurdles such as needing addresses or identification (what if you are living under the bridge near Central Market?), provide proof that you are a Malaysian and Muslim (does humanitarian assistance require proof of nationality or religion?), and complete forms (many can neither read nor write).

The giving of assistance is sometimes dependent on when and where it is convenient for those giving rather than when and where it is actually needed by those in need of it. People are expected to go to offices rather than officials going to the ground and seeking out those in need.

Yet, judging by the increasing number of people in need, ranging from the homeless to refugees clamouring for humanitarian and welfare assistance, it seems that this money is not fully utilised. We are good at collecting contributions but less efficient or diligent in delivering the assistance to recipients and beneficiaries.

So many of the poor, homeless and marginalised in Malaysia are still unable to access and receive assistance, service or aid.

If you are fortunate to be better off and with wanting to do some good this Ramadan, perhaps instead of making porridge this year, you would consider channelling your bubur lambuk donation to supporting NGOs working on humanitarian programmes with communities such as the homeless, those who are socially marginalised, and those living in need and poverty.

One such organisation working to make a difference is the Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kebajikan dan Persekitaran Positif (SEED) which runs the Pusat Bantuan Khidmat Sosial in Chow Kit.

Since 2007, they have offered shelter to the people in that community, their children, people living with HIV as well as the homeless. The drop-in centre acts a safe haven for them to rest, eat and shower as well as obtain vocational skills training, job placements, medical aid and identification papers.

Meat and porridge can only last so long. Less, if you do not have a fridge or even a roof to shelter under to begin with. For this Ramadan, donate to SEED and make a difference. Contact Mitch Yusmar at mitch.yusof@seedfoundation.com.my or 012-385 9624.

This way, rather than just helping feed people that one time with that one dish for that brief moment, your donation to SEED will go a long way towards helping individuals, families and communities in need for many months to come.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.