KUALA LUMPUR: While many are still celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a group of university students have chosen to forgo their festive holidays to assist victims of last Tuesday's gas pipeline fire, currently sheltering at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Masjid Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

Under the Higher Education Ministry's Ihsan Madani squad initiative, volunteers from the Malaysian Universities Volunteer Council (MASKUM) have been on-site since Wednesday, tirelessly helping those affected.

Led by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) student representative council member Ridhwan Syahir, 23, the 20-member group described the mission as an invaluable experience.

"By joining this mission, we can put ourselves in their shoes and truly understand their situation – especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri," Ridhwan shared.

Students from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) also contributed manpower and distributed supplies, including food and baby kits.

Ikmal Daniel Ridza Abdu, 21, expressed the importance of contributing alongside multiple agencies, while Sharina Erna Suara, 20, was thrilled to volunteer for the first time.

"I'm very happy to give back to the community although the incident didn't happen in my home state of Sabah. We are all part of Malaysia," Sharina said.

As of last night, 382 victims from 99 families remain housed at the PPS Masjid Putra Heights.– BERNAMA