Khairat Kita. A History of Malay/Muslim Mutual Aid in Singapore

Book excerpt: A collection of interviews, photographs, essays and personal reflections, Khairat Kita is a project documenting the last few remaining Malay/Muslim Mutual Benefit Organisations (MMBOs) providing aid and charity to their deceased members' families. Known as badan khairat kematian, they are volunteer, community-led initiatives based on a centuries-old tradition of mutual aid. Khairat kematian organisations are social anchors in the community and custodians of intangible cultural heritage in Singapore’s Malay/Muslim community. With around 20 such organisations left, declining membership and ageing committee members, the future looks uncertain for these MMBOs.