Silat And Kompang Captivate Cambodians

KAMPUNG CHAM (CAMBODIA), May 31 (Bernama) -- A silat display accompanied by kompang beats by Jejak Warisan Jawi II Expedition members captivated Kampung Semboa villagers.

Maahad Tahfiz Amanullah principal Sulaiman Yusoff, 38, said the expedition's visit was quite an experience for the villagers.

"The people here have never seen such great Malay cultural heritage," he told Bernama here Tuesday.

The Islamic religious school is owned by Malaysian businessman Datuk Amanullah Mohamed Yusoof.

About 1,000 villagers came out to welcome the 35-member expedition.

Maahad Tahfiz put down two cows to celebrate the expedition's arrival to the village.

Founder and patron Amanullah said the schools was opened in 2001 to provide opportunities to Cambodians and nearby countries to study Islam.

When first opened, it only had 300 to 400 students but now the school has exceeded capacity with about 600 students.

"I have spent RM3.6mil on developing the school and feeding students and plan to further expand the school."

The executive chairman of Systematic Conglomerate Sdn Bhd said he is doing charity to help Cambodian Muslims return to Islam after the Pol Pot communist reign.

The 12,000km expedition will take members through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Malaysia.