Jakim lauded for reaching out to rural Muslims
MARUDI: The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has been praised for its ‘ Mudik Ke Hulu’ ( Moving Upstream) programme to reach out to Muslim in rural and remote areas.
According to Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, the department understands the challenges faced by Muslims living in remote pockets such as those in Kampung Benawa near here and thus, it strives to run programmes that would benefit the community.
“I am happy to see some 40 Jakim personnel from Kuala Lumpur and Miri coming here for the ‘Mudik ke Hulu’ programme, where they will ‘camp out’ in Kampung Benawa to run religious activities for the Muslims here,” he spoke at the launch of the two- day programme at Kampung Benawa yesterday, which coincided with the village’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri get-together.
Adding on, Dr Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman, reminded Muslims against using their mosque as a platform to spread political views and agenda, much less those aimed at misleading the people.
“The mosque should be respected as a place of worship. However, activities such as gatherings that serve to foster
I am happy to see some 40 Jakim personnel from Kuala Lumpur and Miri coming here for the ‘Mudik ke Hulu’ programme, where they will ‘camp out’ in Kampung Benawa to run religious activities for the Muslims here.
closer ties among members of the Muslim community are very much encouraged,” he said.
Dr Penguang also assured the village folk that he was the ‘wakil rakyat’ ( elected representative) for all, adding that he had announced a number of allocations for Kampung Benawa such as those for repair works on their multipurpose hall and mosque.
He then reassured the villagers that the funding would be channelled directly to the relevant authorities to enable all the repair works to be conducted smoothly.
“It’s my first term as your ‘wakil rakyat’ and these are the things that I have done. Give me several years more and you would see more.”
On the selection of village headman, Dr Penguang said this would be up to the villagers in choosing the best candidate.
“I’m totally not involved in this, but I would want to remind you that a village headman – much like other grassroots leaders – serves as the bridge linking you with the government.
“As such, elect wisely and run the process in a proper manner,” advised Dr Penguang, who attended the ceremony with his wife Datin Monica Ukong Jaya.
Later, he announced allocations of RM100,000 for the construction of a gravel road between Long Maro and Kampung Benawa, and another RM100,000 for another stretch linking Kampung Benawa with Rumah Beliang Logan Entasan.
The assistant minister also presented a cheque for RM5,000 to a representative of Long Maro Women’s Bureau, as well as ‘duit raya’ to 15 senior citizens from Kampung Benawa.
Meanwhile, Jakim Dakwah Unit director Mazlan Abdullah presented a grant of RM40,000 to the committee of Masjid Kampung Benawa for it to run various religious activities.
Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai, Jakim Dakwah Unit senior assistant director Roslan Said, who is also the head of ‘Mudik Ke Hulu’ programme, and Kampung Benawa headman Said Taha were among those present at the launch.
Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Local Government