Representatives from mosques and surau in Kuching picking up their cheques from the Sarawak Islamic Council.
KUCHING: Sarawak’s strong economic performance in the past year has led to a bigger contribution in business tithe from the corporate sector.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the strong contribution from the business community would enable the government to provide stronger support in the development of mosques and surau across the state.
This year, the Sarawak Islamic Council, through Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak, allocated RM1.4mil to 1,444 mosques and surau throughout the state for religious activities during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Business tithe contribution from the business community, derived from a strong state economy, help to strengthen our Baitulmal fund.
“The funds will be channelled towards the development of mosques and surau, as well as to aid Islamic religious growth in the state,” Abang Johari said at the grant presentation ceremony to mosque and surau committees at Dewan Hikmah, Petra Jaya, here on Thursday.
In the spirit of Ramadan, the Chief Minister advised the Muslim faithful to carry out more good deeds and charitable work, particularly to help the underprivileged community. At the same time, he urged Muslims to be active in mosque activities.
Abang Johari also reminded Muslims to always respect and practice tolerance with other communities to maintain the strong racial harmony already enjoyed in Sarawak.
“We must continue to forge strong cooperation with others to ensure our unity and harmony in this multi-ethnic society remains intact to build a stronger nation,” he continued.
At the event, Abang Johari presented cheques to 335 mosques and surau in the Kuching division in the presence of Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha.
On a related note, Abang Johari said the state government welcomed Pakatan Harapan advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s comment that Putrajaya is committed to restoring autonomous powers of Sarawak and Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Federal Constitution.
Pakatan’s election manifesto listed that a Cabinet Committee consisting representatives from the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak, who have expertise in matters to review and monitor the fair implementation of MA63 within the first 100 days of Pakatan’s administration, will be set up.
The committee will submit detailed reports to the Federal Government within six months of its formation for immediate execution.
