KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 – Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah attended a meaningful Iftar ceremony with orphans, asnaf and children under care at Istana Negara this evening.
The ceremony was held at the Main Dining Hall of the national palace and brought together children from various welfare organisations in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan. The event reflected the spirit of compassion, unity and responsibility towards those in need.
Among those present were Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), and Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). Also in attendance were Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer, Chairman of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, Dato’ Dr. Hartini Zainuddin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit, and Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director-General of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department.
At the event, His Majesty the King consented to extend support and present contributions through the Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation of Johor. Donations were handed over to 70 orphans and 90 asnaf recipients under MAIWP. Raja Zarith Sofiah also consented to present contributions to 70 children under the care of Yayasan Chow Kit, 50 Syrian and Palestinian children from Al-Aqsa School in Kuala Lumpur, and 30 converts from the Malaysian Islamic Youth (ABIM).
Earlier in the programme, His Majesty consented to attend a Quranic Verses and Translation Ceremony delivered by Ustaz Mohd Zahirrudin Jamal Abdul Nasir and Ustaz Haikal Zaini. The ceremony highlighted the importance of understanding the Quran and strengthening faith during Ramadan.
Following the recitation session, His Majesty performed the obligatory Maghrib prayer in congregation at the Main Surau of Istana Negara. The prayer was led by Ustaz Zhafiran Zolkafli from the Islamic Affairs Division of Istana Negara.
The presence of the King and Raja Permaisuri Agong at the ceremony demonstrated the monarchy’s continued commitment to social welfare and religious values. Such engagements reinforce the bond between the Royal Institution and the rakyat, particularly the underprivileged community.
As Ramadan continues, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of charity, empathy and unity. The royal couple’s participation sends a clear message that caring for the less fortunate remains a shared national responsibility.
