KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — More than 20,000 devotees, including volunteers, gathered at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tzu Chi Foundation, held in conjunction with its annual "three-in-one" celebration of the Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and the Global Tzu Chi Day.
The grand Buddha Bathing Ceremony, organised by the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chapter), served as a platform for multi-faith prayer and humanitarian reflection, drawing both local leaders and the international Buddhist community.
Investment, Trade, and Industry Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin commended the foundation for its dual role in spiritual cultivation and disaster relief.
"Tzu Chi is one of the most organised humanitarian organisations in Malaysia. We must commend them for their rapid deployment and help in many disasters, including floods in Selangor, the East Coast, Kelantan, and even East Malaysia," he said during a media conference after the event.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Malaysian Buddhist Association (Selangor/KL Branch) Chairman Venerable Ming Ji, and Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Most Venerable Datuk Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana.
Sim added that the foundation’s humanitarian efforts transcended religious boundaries, assisting Malaysians from all walks of life and fostering goodwill and unity among communities.
He highlighted the importance of preserving Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious harmony, urging all Malaysians to continue praying for the nation’s prosperity and peace.
"Buddhism is thriving in Malaysia and is given the space to worship under the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution. I hope every religion can continue to live peacefully together," Sim said.
The ceremony, which included traditional steps such as bowing to the Buddha and making sincere vows, was synchronised via a live feed with the Jing Si Hall in Hualien, Taiwan, connecting local devotees with Tzu Chi chapters globally.
The anniversary celebration also reflected the teachings of Tzu Chi founder Master Cheng Yen, who encourages individuals to cultivate clarity of mind and sincerity so their inner compassion may benefit others.
The event began at 7am and concluded at 9am, with a second session scheduled later today from 6pm to 8pm.
