SINTOK, 9 March 2026 – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) organised the UUM Grand Iftar Ceremony 2026/1447H at the Sultan Badlishah Mosque, bringing together members of the university community and local residents in a meaningful gathering aimed at strengthening bonds of brotherhood and deepening the appreciation of the holy month of Ramadan.
The ceremony, jointly organised by the UUM Islamic Centre and the UUM Chancellery Department, brought together the university’s leadership, senior officers, staff members and students in a spirit of unity and togetherness.
Chairman of the UUM Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Mazlan Yusoff, said that Ramadan is a particularly significant month for Muslims as it goes beyond the act of fasting from hunger and thirst. Instead, it serves as a period of spiritual reflection and personal development that nurtures faith while cultivating compassion, humility and a strong sense of community.
According to him, events such as the UUM Grand Iftar Ceremony are not merely occasions to break the fast together but also valuable platforms for strengthening ties between university leaders, campus residents and members of the wider community who have continuously supported the university’s growth and development.
“Programmes like this instil the values of ukhuwah (brotherhood), solidarity and social responsibility, which are essential in shaping members of the university community who are not only academically accomplished but also guided by strong moral and human values,” he said.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, described Ramadan as a sacred period that nurtures the soul, strengthens faith and reminds Muslims of the importance of gratitude, moderation and compassion towards others.
“In an institution of knowledge such as a university, true strength lies not only in academic excellence but also in the unity of hearts, shared human values and the spirit of togetherness that we cultivate as a community,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of donations to several groups in need. Among them was the Ramadan Basket contribution by UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., which benefited 20 recipients comprising UUM staff, employees of UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd. and members of the surrounding community.
Additionally, the MADANI ResQ Pek UUM contribution, presented by the UUM Student Residential Principals Council, was distributed to 30 students from the UUM Centre for Foundation Studies in Management who required assistance.
Various Baju Raya sponsored by the Jakel Alor Setar Branch were also presented to 21 recipients, including orphans and asnaf under RUKAYDA UUM, as well as several UUM students.
During the event, attendees also witnessed the launch of a new carpet design for the Sultan Badlishah Mosque, inspired by the motif of the Sintok tree combined with traditional batik elements. The design was developed by a team from the UUM School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA).
Also present were the Executive Representative of UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Mr Faizul Mamat; Deputy Director of the Quran Darul Aman Institute (IQDAR), Ustaz Abdul Malik Che Haat; Marketing Manager of Jakel Alor Setar Branch, Mr Mohd Zamri Anuar; members of the University Management Committee; senior university officials and representatives of UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd.; as well as the Chairman of the UUM Student Representative Council, Mr Syahmi Iman Muhammad Rezal, together with members of the council.
