Malaysian Humanitarian Aid & Relief (MAHAR) extending humanity assistance to affected people in needs beyond boundaries

Opinion
26 Apr 2025 • 5:00 PM MYT
Zulkifly Baharom
Zulkifly Baharom

An HR practitioner, Sejahtera Leadership Coach & Gusi Peace Prize Laureate.

Image from: Malaysian Humanitarian Aid & Relief (MAHAR) extending humanity assistance to affected people in needs beyond boundaries
Dr. Zul has high respect to MAHAR leaders & humanitarian volunteers for their commitments to serve the needy during disaster & pandemics locally & abroad. Photo: Zarina
Image from: Malaysian Humanitarian Aid & Relief (MAHAR) extending humanity assistance to affected people in needs beyond boundaries
Top photo (from left) Reza, MAHAR President Jismi Johari, Dr. Zul, Communications Director Tengku Ain, Ana Mozhdeh & Mohamad Ali at Aidilfitri Open House. Photo: Zarina
Image from: Malaysian Humanitarian Aid & Relief (MAHAR) extending humanity assistance to affected people in needs beyond boundaries
Zarina (right) & Dr. Zul enjoying the delicious Eid ‘kuih’ whilst having conversations and networking with other invited guests at main hall of Hadramawt Palace. Photo: Reza

In the course of pursuing project work and training programs with Sejahtera Leadership Initiative (SLI), I learned that humanitarian aid is a form of assistance designed to save lives and alleviate suffering during and after crises, such as floods, famine or conflicts. Aid is essential for addressing the immediate needs of affected populations, laying the groundwork for long-term recovery & development. (https://www.facebook.com/SejahteraLeadershipInitiative)

Whereas humanitarian relief aid can include food, water, medical supplies, tents, and other things required by those really affected by everything from typhoons to civil wars. As for emergency aid, it is distinct from development aid, which aims at long-term economic improvement. Relief can also include counselling and other support services. It is critical to engage with the impacted community at a time when people are most at risk. Activities in the relief phase include evacuations, establishment of relief centres and also first aid. (http://www.rescue.org)

In the spirit of Aidilfitri, my wife, Zarina & I were delighted when SLI colleagues, Ana Mozhdeh & Reza included our names as invited guests to attend MAHAR Open House. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by MAHAR leaders and volunteers led by its President Jismi Johari and Director Tengku Ain Tengku Abdullah who are coordinading humanitarian efforts, both domestically & internationally.

Whilst enjoying the signature dishes of delicious traditional best Middle Eastern and Yemeni food in the city, we engaged in a lively conversations with Tengku Ain, a versatile communications professional with a flair for juggling multiple roles. She graduated from International Islamic University Malaysia with a Bachelor's degree and obtained a Master's degree from University Science Malaysia.

Tengku Ain said, “As Communications Director with MAHAR, I excel in crafting compelling narratives, engaging diverse stakeholders & driving impactful campaigns. Whether it's shaping strategic messaging, leading media relations efforts, overseeing digital platforms, I thrive on all the challenges to success. I've been involved with humanitarian missions to Africa (Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania).”


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