RM1.4 mln aid to 1,444 mosques, surau
KUCHING: The Sarawak Islamic Council ( Mais) through Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak is doling out assistance worth RM1.4 million in total to 1,444 mosques and surau across the state in this Ramadan month.
Yesterday alone, 99 mosques and 236 surau in the Kuching Division received the assistance during a simple ceremony at Dewan Hikmah in Petra Jaya here.
On hand to give out the assistance was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Prior to the presentation ceremony, Abang Johari said he was delighted with the sound financial management of the council, which enabled it to give out assistance to mosques and surau in the state during this Ramadan month.
While praising the council for managing its fund well, he also lauded the commitment of Muslim corporations for contributing business zakat to Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak.
“With this business zakat, the fund will increase and can be used to build mosques and surau as well as in giving out assistance to mosques and surau for a good cause.”
Abang Johari said the council is also responsible for building more Islamic complexes in Sarawak.
While there is already an Islamic complex each in Sibu and Miri, he said another similar complex is being erected in Sri Aman.
According to him, this is for the betterment of the Muslim community given that the welfare of the community can be well taken care of with the prevalence of such complex.
He also hoped that Muslims in Sarawak will continue to stay united so that the community can do better in terms of development.
“In Sarawak, we are glad to see that the Muslim community is united and not split up.
“At the same time, we should work closely with the non-Muslims to see more development.
“With this, the future of Sarawak is guaranteed. Sarawak has its own unique culture whereby the people observe and practise mutual respect and will always help one another,” he said.
“We have to stay united and work together to maintain our status,” he stressed.
Earlier, Sarawak Islamic Council chairman Datu Misnu Taha said the assistance was meant for mosques and surau to carry out their respective activities during this Ramadan month.
He hoped that all the 1,444 mosques and surau will receive the assistance before the Muslim community celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri next month.
Among those present were Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.