Based on county administrative units, “Engchoon people” form the largest local community within the Malaysian Fujianese community. Besides participating in their own social organizations, Engchoon people also engage with the Fujian Association, a regional organization that integrates groups from various parts of Fujian Province. Consequently, Engchoon people have also led some local Fujian Associations.

The Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia (referred to as FHAM) was established in 1964. It is composed of various Hokkien associations across Malaysia, including local Engchoon associations and family clan organizations. To date, it has over 200 member organizations. Its purpose is to unite Hokkien associations nationwide, promote solidarity among Hokkien compatriots, and enhance their welfare, as well as political, economic, cultural, and charitable activities.

Since its inception, FHAM has had four leaders of Engchoon descent, three of them came from the Kuala Lumpur Engchoon Association. In 1971, FHAM entered the era of its third leader, Tan Sri Li Yannian, who also served as the president of the Kuala Lumpur Engchoon Association and the National Engchoon Federation. Under Li Yannian ‘s extensive network in the business and community sectors, FHAM quickly garnered the membership of Hokkien associations, with active responding from local Engchoon associations. Between 1975 and 1984, Li Yannian also served as the president of the Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and once as the president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (1976-1978).

In 1976, Li Yannian continued his tenure as FHAM chairman, while Wong Mau Tong, also from the Kuala Lumpur Engchoon Association, served as secretary. From 1967 to 1982, during Li Yannian ‘s presidency of the Kuala Lumpur Engchoon Association, Wong Mau Tong held various positions such as treasurer and secretary, demonstrating their strong rapport in community affairs. After Li Yannian stepped down as FHAM chairman in 1982, Wong Mau Tong took over the leadership until 1986. During this period, FHAM’s membership increased from 94 in 1977 to 128 in 1987, with 17 being Engchoon associations, accounting for 13.28%. FHAM had a significant influence among Malaysian Chinese associations during this period, with Li Yannian often boldly criticizing government policies, establishing FHAM’s reputation. Additionally, under Li Yannian ‘s leadership, FHAM established a university scholarship fund in 1977 to support academically outstanding yet financially needy Hokkien children, benefiting many Chinese families. Through educational opportunities for their children, many impoverished families managed to improve their economic conditions.

From 1988 to 1994, the FHAM chairman was another prominent Engchoon figure from Klang, Tan Sri Lim Yew Joon. The number of Engchoon members also reached 22, highlighting the significant influence of Engchoon people within the Hokkien community. Lim Yew Joon later also led the highest Chinese organization, the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (FCAM), as the predecessor of the present-day FCAM.