Reserving spare change to carry out kind deeds, giving out free groceries in exchange for a smile, saving car drivers from being issued summonses by replacing parking tickets that exceeded the time limit – these are some of the initiatives introduced by Kindness Malaysia.
Founded by strategic planning consultant Muhammad Kamarulazizi, the non-governmental organisation focuses on spreading kindness through community projects.
“I believe that if everyone is kind, then Malaysia would be a better place to live in. Kindness must be instilled in people, and they need to be inspired,” said Kamarulazizi, who set up the organisation in 2012.
But starting such a movement is no walk in the park, as Kamarulazizi pointed out.
“Our biggest challenge is recruiting new volunteers,” said the 35-year-old.
According to Kamarulazizi, Kindness Malaysia takes a few steps “to identify and understand the commitment of volunteers”.
Those interested in chipping in are first invited to join the organisation’s volunteer group on
Facebook. When they have committed to more than three activities, Kindness Malaysia’s core volunteers will then recommend them to join its core volunteer group on WhatsApp.
In doing so, Kindness Malaysia ensures that those who are truly interested and committed to its cause join the team.
Among the numerous activities carried out by the movement is Kindness Pocket, which encourages men to keep small change in their pockets and women, in zipped compartments in their handbags.
“The money is used to do kind deeds. For example, treating someone to lunch. Psychologically, people tend to hesitate to spend their money from their wallets. That is why the pocket or zipped compartment functions as a dedicated fund for kindness activities,” explained Kamarulazizi.
Another initiative is Gerobok Rezeki, which is a free market where one gets free groceries just by paying for them with a smile. Kindness Malaysia sees this as a way to engage the needy, middle-class and upper-class society. The most recent Gerobok Rezeki was held at SMK Senawang in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, which saw the participation of 4,000 people.
The Parking Project, on the other hand, prompts volunteers to “save” cars with expired tickets.
“We replace the tickets with new ones for free, with a note to the drivers saying we don’t want them to be fined by the authorities,” said Kamarulazizi.
The organisation’s efforts have garnered some attention. In 2017, it was elected to be part of the international committee for the World Kindness Movement.
Apart from spreading kindness in society, Kindness Malaysia conducts talks, motivational sessions and camps in schools.
“We even came up with a kindness school concept where the school community extends kindness not only to the students but also the teachers and parents. SMK Senawang is the first school to be endorsed as a kindness school,” said Kamarulazizi.
To the committee members of school clubs and societies, he had this to say: “Put kindness on your agenda. Then, contact us so that we can give our support.”
Kamarulazizi also urged teenagers keen on doing community service to identify areas or causes they are passionate about.
“If you like animals, look for NGOs which focus on animal welfare; if you are into education, check out NGOs who do education-related work. Or if you just want to spread kindness in general, you can join us!” he said.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money, time or energy to volunteer. You just need to be passionate about it. So, don’t wait and just do it!” he added.
Note: This article was written for and published in The Star's NIE pullout in April 2018.
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