Dear Editors and Media Friends,

1. Speaking to the media at the launch of the Touch of Ramadan campaign 2018, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Mr Masagos Zulkifli said that it is important for Muslims to continue to internalise Rahmah or Blessings and to do good for the community. Mr Masagos added that the Muslim community must take advantage of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, to bring blessings to all, regardless of race or religion, for the larger Singaporean community.  The theme for 2018 is in conjunction with the overarching theme of “Semarak Langkah, Berjiwa Rahmah: Rahmah Bermula Daripada Saya”.
   
   

2. The above theme continues to draw inspiration from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in exemplifying the importance of seeking knowledge. The theme this year will again focus on 3 major areas: Family, Society, and Environment, with the community encouraged to seek knowledge, promote good values and build strong resilient families. A new programme and in the spirit of caring for the society, Muslim and non-Muslim families will be able to experience volunteerism in our mosques through the My Ramadan Experience. The mosque community, grassroots and volunteer community in each mosque cluster will distribute porridge for residents in their area. This is done with the goal of imparting the spirit of Rahmah and gotong-royong. When asked about the launch of the Ramadan campaign, Mr Masagos said:

    
   “Ramadan is the best month to begin such programmes and to inculcate the spirit of togetherness with our neighbours and the greater community beyond our mosque. The spirit of sharing and gotong-royong is not a foreign concept but one that Muslims should heighten in the month of Ramadan. In the spirit of Ramadan, this year’s theme is important as it retains the values essential in making our families strong and to ensure the family unit remain contributing node for the greater society.”        
   
   “It is important to take care of our health in Ramadan. In Singapore, during Ramadan, Muslims have a lot of access to food, I encourage the community to not binge on food, to live healthily and to consume in moderation.”
   
   

3. Another new initiative this year is an expansion of the Touch of Ramadan signature programme, Night of Power event. This year’s signature event will be a family-oriented  affair and will include a new Al-Quran Seminar which will feature Mufti, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram. The seminar will speak about the values and purpose of Al-Quran, making the holy book ingrained in a Muslim’s life during and post Ramadan. At the session, Mufti will share verses from the Al-Quran that speaks about family togetherness and peaceful coexistence within the Muslim community as well as living with the larger society. During his tazkirah (short lecture) during the launch Dr Fatris also touched on the beauty of the Islamic faith, and rally the community to take advantage of Ramadan to further personify this beauty in their action and character throughout Ramadan and beyond. 
   
   

4. Continuing for the second year, approximately 21,000 students and some 10,000 donation cans or “tabung” (Tabung Rahmah) will again be distributed to students from the weekend mosque madrasah, kindergartens and full-time madrasahs. The committee is keen to match the amount collected in 2017 ($150,000) which will be donated to the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, after Hari Raya Eidulfitri 2018. Through this initiative, it is hoped that students and their families will be further encouraged to share and care for the underprivileged and students in need. 
   
   

5. At the event, initiatives such as choosing healthier food options during Ramadan and reducing food wastage during breaking of fast, were will be continued this year. At the launch, Minister Masagos flagged off approximately 60 Rahmah Ambassadors, who will spread the message of Rahmah at various locations along Orchard Road. At the event Mr Masagos, gave tokens of appreciation to partners of the Touch of Ramadan campaign, Yayasan Mendaki, Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Health Promotion Board, Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association, Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS), Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM) and Singapore press Holdings.
   
   

6. We welcome media to publish the information contained. The Touch of Ramadan Campaign fact sheet is also attached. Please attribute all photos via the link below to Muis. Thank you for your interest and support.