Kuala lumpur: The National Unity Ministry (KPN) has received over 800 applications from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) this year to organise unity-focused programmes, reflecting rising public interest in promoting harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society. KPN secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid today said nearly 100 programmes have been approved and implemented with ministry funding to ensure impact at the community level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Haslina emphasized the importance of these programmes in strengthening the spirit of togetherness among Malaysia’s races, religions, and ethnicities. She noted that the ministry strategically selects locations that attract large crowds to showcase Malaysia’s harmony to both locals and foreign visitors. Her remarks were made at the Festival Warisan Perpaduan Budaya Malaysia 2025, an event featuring traditional performances, craft demonstrations, and local cuisines.

Haslina added that the increasing number of applications reflects a strong public commitment to national unity through heritage, culture, and the arts. NGOs can submit proposals online through the ministry’s portal, with three application windows open each year to allow broader participation from organisations registered under the Registrar of Societies (RoS). Each proposal undergoes a careful evaluation process, and the ministry aims to open the first application window earlier next year to facilitate better planning for NGOs.

Meanwhile, Family of Charity NGO deputy director Meor Arif Afiq highlighted that the festival also supports Visit Malaysia Year 2026 through the launch of Go Malaysia Magazine, which promotes the country’s arts, culture, and tourism. Ninety-eight copies of the magazine will be distributed to foreign embassies. Meor Arif Afiq described this initiative as a golden opportunity to showcase Malaysia internationally, noting that it is the first edition under the royal patronage of Tengku Syarif Temenggong Perlis, Datuk Seri Syed Amir Abidin Jamalullail.