LABUAN: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has concluded her inaugural two-day working visit to Labuan, Malaysia's international business and financial centre, by attending a donation presentation benefitting the asnaf community on Wednesday (Nov 6).
The donation was a personal gift from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, emphasising both Their Majesties’ dedication to charitable initiatives and community support.
A total of 378 asnaf individuals, comprising 300 local residents and 78 schoolchildren, received the donation during the ceremony at Kompleks Darul Kifayah.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abd Rahman, and Federal Territories Department (FTD) director-general Datuk Noridah Abdul Rahim were present.
In her address, Her Majesty expressed delight at experiencing Labuan Island's beauty firsthand.
"Throughout my inaugural visit to this island, I have had the opportunity to witness its beauty firsthand. I hope that this beauty can be preserved and enhanced," she said.
The Queen also highlighted the tourism potential of the nearby islands around Labuan, encouraging exploration to benefit the local industry and community.
"I also visited Labuan Matriculation College and received a briefing on the current education landscape here. I hope that educational challenges in Labuan will be addressed, ensuring that students in need receive proper support and are not left behind in the national education system," she said.
During her visit to Kampung Sungai Lada on Tuesday (Nov 5), the Queen expressed admiration for local handicrafts and hoped for the industry's continued growth with support from the FTD and Labuan Corporation (LC).
She also remarked on the warmth and harmony among Labuan's multiracial residents.
"During my two-day visit, I have seen the unique cohesion of the diverse communities here. I hope that all stakeholders with an interest in this island will work together to improve the welfare of the local community," she said.
Her Majesty also visited the PUJI (Program Usaha Jaya Insan) Showcase, an initiative led by the FTD to empower and support underserved communities.
The Queen is scheduled to return to Johor later this afternoon. – Bernama
