Kota bharu: The Kelantan Indian Muslim Association (PMIK) has guided more than 50 Indian Muslim converts (mualafs) in deepening their understanding of Islamic teachings since 2023. Its chairman, Mohamed Sultan Oli Mohamed, highlighted that Kelantan is often chosen as a destination by converts due to its conducive environment for strengthening their understanding of Islam, as well as being welcoming, community-oriented, and perceived as safer.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a majority of these mualafs come from outside Kelantan, including areas such as Johor and the Klang Valley, and relocate to Kelantan to start a new life as Muslims. Many of these individuals arrive without family support and face challenges such as leaving their original places of residence after converting to Islam, which necessitates urgent assistance in accommodation, food, welfare, and religious guidance.
The association provides temporary accommodation in certain cases, supplies food and daily necessities, assists in securing employment, and helps cover house rental deposits until the mualafs achieve stability and independence. The support extends beyond the initial stages of conversion, with a focus on continuous assistance to help these individuals build the self-confidence needed to live as Muslims.
In addition to supporting mualafs, PMIK also aids the poor and needy, irrespective of race, including Malays and Chinese, especially in emergencies such as health issues, educational support for children, and disasters like floods. With 250 registered members, the association is actively involved in various programs and requires annual operating costs of about RM70,000, fully funded through corporate contributions, public donations, and support from the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) and the state government.
The funds received are allocated towards the welfare of mualafs, emergency assistance, temporary accommodation, food supplies, travel expenses, religious education, and basic support to help them begin a new life. Mohamed Sultan Oli Mohamed expressed hope for more contributions from corporate organizations, zakat institutions, and the public to ensure PMIK can continue its role as a support center for mualafs and the needy in the state.