Raya Is For Everyone In Pulau Ketam

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A small Muslim community coexists peacefully with the predominantly Chinese population of Pulau Ketam. (Afizi Ismail @ FMT Lifestyle / File pic)
KLANG: Every year since 2017, a learning centre called Maahad Tahfiz Mandarin Pulau Ketam organises a big Hari Raya gathering, inviting the island’s predominantly Chinese community to join in as well.
Located off the coast of Port Klang, Pulau Ketam is only accessible by ferry or speedboat. The quaint island is dotted with houses perched on stilts, while bicycles replace cars as the primary mode of transport.
While time seems to have stood still here, it is still heartwarming to see how residents of different races live harmoniously with one another.

“The objective of the Raya celebration is to bring us closer together. We don’t want a gap to exist between us,” said Sumaiyah Mohammad, the administration officer of the tahfiz centre.
The only times these festive gatherings were cancelled, she said, was in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Typically held towards the end of Syawal, the number of Chinese guests has increased through the years, she added.
The island’s Muslim residents congregate for prayers at Balai Islam Pulau Ketam. (Afizi Ismail @ FMT Lifestyle)For her, it is a joy to see the community come together for the event, regardless of race or religion, and indulge in such Raya favourites as rendang, lemang and ketupat.
“The atmosphere is festive, just like celebrating the first day of Raya with family,” said the 20-year-old.
The tahfiz centre, which offers al-Quran, Fardu Ain and Mandarin classes, was established in late 2016. It was founded by Sumaiyah’s father Mohammad Ibrahim, known among the community as Ustaz Mad China.
There is also a balai Islam on the island, where Muslims gather for prayers. Every night during Ramadan, students of the tahfiz centre walk together to this location to perform Isyak and tarawih prayers.
Siti Ariana Mohd Nazim, a tahfiz centre student who moved to the island in February, said she enjoys the island’s tranquillity the most.
Siti Ariana Mohd Nazim has been a student of Maahad Tahfiz Mandarin Pulau Ketam since February. (Afizi Ismail @ FMT Lifestyle)Although new to the place, she has made the effort to connect with the residents here, even greeting them in Mandarin.
“Some are shocked that I can speak Chinese,” the 12-year-old said with a smile, adding: “Sometimes, I offer to carry their bags or belongings for them.”
According to Cha Keng Lee, chairman of the Pulau Ketam Residents Association, the island has an estimated population of 6,000.
There are only about 50 Muslims among them, including students and staff of the tahfiz centre, who were not originally from the island but who currently reside here. There is also a small number of Chinese Muslims.
“In the 1970s, there were more than 26,000 people on Pulau Ketam,” Cha revealed. “Back then, a man named Mr Ng, who was a Muslim, encouraged the fishermen here to convert to Islam.”
Only about 50 Muslims live on Pulau Ketam, which has an estimated population of 6,000. (Afizi Ismail @ FMT Lifestyle)However, the number of Chinese Muslims has dwindled as many have passed away or relocated. Cha estimates that fewer than 10 remain on the island.
Reflecting on the relationship between the Chinese and Malays here, the 61-year-old added: “They are good people, and we have no issues with each other.”
Sumaiyah echoes this sentiment, saying: “When we greet the elderly women who live here, they’re happy to see us. When we visit their shops, they welcome us warmly. Some of our more outgoing students even greet residents in Mandarin.”
She said she has gained a better understanding of what makes her Chinese neighbours unique, including the way they pray and celebrate festivals like Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Mei.
Sumaiyah Mohammad believes respect for one another’s religion is key. (Afizi Ismail @ FMT Lifestyle)She also admires their strong familial bonds. “One thing I’ve learnt is that closeness between family members is valued. During the holidays, they visit their parents and eat together, even if it’s just for one day.”
For her, respecting others means respecting differences in faith, opinions, or way of life. “Having mutual respect and understanding for each other’s religion makes life more harmonious for everyone,” she concluded. - FMT

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