ASAJAYA: Community leaders have been urged to remain attentive to the needs of the asnaf and less fortunate residents to ensure no one is left behind during the Ramadan and upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said village leaders, particularly community leaders and ethnic leaders (KMKK), play an important role in identifying individuals who require assistance in their respective communities.
“My hope for the people of Asajaya, especially community and etnic leaders, is that we remain sensitive to the needs of the asnaf or those less fortunate in our areas.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no villagers are overlooked as we celebrate Ramadan and Syawal,” he said in his speech at the ‘Program Lan Berambeh Sungkey Belia’ event in Asajaya held at the Asajaya Sports Complex on Saturday (Mar 7).
During the programme, a total of 276 asnaf from villages in the Asajaya constituency received assistance.
The event featured the distribution of 1,500 portions of ‘bubur lambuk’, with 1,000 prepared by the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) and 500 contributed by the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS), including a symbolic distribution of 100 portions to the public.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman said the programme was organised for the first time on a larger scale at the sports complex with the involvement of various government agencies and community organisations.
“It is arranged in an integrated manner with the involvement of various agencies and NGOs such as the District Office, Social Welfare Department (JKM), Resident’s Office, PEMADAM, SABERKAS, the police and other agencies including Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR),” he said.
He added that the initiative aimed to assist those in need while fostering community spirit during Ramadan through a communal breaking of fast.
On the selection of recipients, Abdul Karim said the list was compiled through several channels including the JKM, Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), mosque and surau committees as well as village community leaders.
“This is how we identify those who are truly eligible so there will be no confusion. The mosque and surau committees as well as the village leaders know better who should receive assistance.
“Sometimes within a year, there may be new cases such as someone who recently passed away or faced an accident. So, the community leaders are in a better position to identify those who need help,” he said.
The programme brought together various agencies and community organisations in Asajaya to strengthen cooperation while supporting the less fortunate during the Ramadan month.
