PERTAPIS was formed in 1969 by a group of young aspiring Muslims who believed in the importance of moral and religious education in order to build a strong resilient self in youth. In the days of kampung living, the community would come together to help ease the burden of families in need. For most, this did not change even after modernisation and families moved into flats. They carried on that kampung spirit by forming ‘block committees’ and organising activities involving social interaction, community bonding and welfare support. From its humble beginnings, Pertapis, as a ‘self-help organisation’ is today an approved charitable organisation under the Charities Act with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status and has helped more than 3000 families in need.