SIBU: SABERKAS is looking to acquire a government-owned piece of land in Kuching or Petra Jaya to build its own premises to support its expanding activities.
Its president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said having its own building would enable the organisation to provide dedicated facilities for weddings, recreational activities and community programmes.
He said SABERKAS was confident it could successfully manage such an asset, based on its current track record in managing the organisation.
“I am confident that, given how we currently manage SABERKAS, if we were given the opportunity to manage such a building, we would succeed,” he said when speaking at the SABERKAS 18th Triennial Assembly today (Aug 9).
Abdul Karim said the organisation would first need to identify a suitable government-owned plot before submitting a formal proposal to the Premier and the state government.
“We hope to secure a site, although one has not yet been identified. We will consult the Land and Survey Department regarding potential locations, whether in Kuching City or the Petra Jaya area,” he said.
He said SABERKAS was also capable of managing the land and building itself once the proposal received the necessary approval.
Abdul Karim said the proposed building would provide SABERKAS with an important asset that could help the organisation grow and expand its activities.
“With such an asset, we would grow and expand far beyond our current achievements,” he said.
He also highlighted SABERKAS’ financial stability, attributing the organisation’s strong financial position to the trust and support given by its members to the leadership team, secretariat and treasurer.
Abdul Karim said SABERKAS had organised 929 activities between November 2023 and June 2026, reflecting the organisation’s extensive programmes at branch level.
He said these included bubur lambuk distributions, community initiatives and sports programmes involving youths and local communities.
“With over 300 programmes held annually, ranging from bubur lambuk distribution to various community initiatives and sports events across the branches, we have utilised the financial allocations provided to each branch effectively,” he said.
Abdul Karim said each SABERKAS branch received more than RM20,000 annually from the organisation’s internal resources to conduct activities.
He stressed that the allocations were funded internally and did not come from government allocations.
“Every year, we channel over RM1 million to the branches to organise activities and report back to SABERKAS headquarters on the programmes they have arranged,” he said.
He said the funding had helped mobilise numerous activities, particularly those involving youths.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the establishment of the SABERKAS Prihatin unit, which was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic as another achievement of the organisation.
He said the initiative demonstrated SABERKAS’ commitment to supporting its members and communities during times of need.
About 480 members and 60 exco officers from 82 branches statewide attended the assembly which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
