KUCHING: The Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) Sarawak organised its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 19 and 20, 2025, gathering 165 delegates and observers from its 23 branches statewide.
This year’s AGM, themed ‘Kelestarian Alam Sekitar dan Kesejahteraan Hidup: Tanggungjawab Bersama’ (Environmental Sustainability and Quality of Life: A Shared Responsibility), expanded on last year’s theme focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from an Islamic perspective, which aims to further PERKIM Sarawak’s commitment to integrating Islamic values into environmental protection and community wellbeing efforts.
PERKIM Sarawak’s Chairman, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib-Alsree, officiated at the meeting at The Waterfront Hotel, here.
In her speech, she highlighted that environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasise moderation, balance, and accountability to God’s creation.
“Preserving the environment is not a trend but a responsibility grounded in our faith.
“It is our collective duty to protect the world we live in, and our actions should reflect this value,” she said.
As part of the AGM, a one-day seminar was held on April 19, featuring presentations by three subject matter experts on environmental issues.
Dr Noor Zaitun Yahaya, senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, presented a paper titled “The Environment: Its Components and Causes of Contamination.”
Hartini Mahidin, senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kota Samarahan, discussed “Daily Activities that Contribute to Environmental Pollution (Air Quality).”
Meanwhile, Dr Nur Sulastini Md Nor, a medical officer from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, delivered a paper titled “Environmental Contamination: Its Effects on Health.”
These sessions served as a continuation of the environmental workshop held here in October 2024, aiming to deepen delegates’ understanding of the environmental challenges facing society today.
Additionally, a Scam Awareness session was held in collaboration with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, highlighting common online scams and providing preventive measures, aiming to equip delegates with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities from fraud.
As in previous years, local product and handicraft stalls were set up, allowing branches to promote and sell their community-made goods.
Furthermore, PERKIM Sarawak has expanded its network with the establishment of the Beladin Branch, bringing the total number of branches to 23.
These include long-established branches in Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Limbang, and other locations, covering both urban and rural areas.
For the record, as of December 31, 2024, PERKIM Sarawak had a total of 5,935 members, and the organisation reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the welfare, education, and development of its members, reverts, and the broader community, aligning with Islamic principles and the national development agenda.
