BY NURIN PATRA & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: A development committee should be set up to oversee the rebuilding of Darul Amin Surau at Kampung Samariang Jaya Phase 2 here that has sunk due to unsuitable soil conditions and past shoddy construction methods.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged the local community to form the committee, obtain approval from the Resident’s Office, and begin fundraising efforts for the project, which includes constructing a new surau along with a multi-purpose hall.
“This place is essential for the community, serving as a venue for various programmes, including gatherings, women’s initiatives and youth activities.
“It is important to have a proper space for our community to come together,” he said at the ‘bubur lambuk’ distribution programme at the Darul Amin Surau here today.
Fadillah revealed that his Political Secretary, Iwan, who is also an engineer, has already prepared the design and cost estimate, which has been submitted to the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) for approval.
“The estimated cost for the new surau is RM3.6 million.
“I’m not asking you to raise the full amount yourselves, we will work together to make this happen,” he assured.
He added that efforts would be made to secure government funding and hoped for swift approval from JAIS to move the project forward.
Meanwhile, he also called for more frequent community programmes to encourage camaraderie and help those in need within the local community.
He said that community programmes, such as the ‘bubur lambuk’ distribution, play a crucial role in strengthening community bonds, especially in a city where people from diverse backgrounds and places live together.
“This is why Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) organises the ‘Kejiranan Mesra’ programme to foster a sense of camaraderie within the local community.
“Through such initiatives, we can get to know one another better, and hopefully, this will cultivate warmth and concern among neighbours,” he said.
Fadillah added that the programme also aligns with the principles of Islam which emphasises the rights of neighbours and the importance of safeguarding and caring for them.
The ‘bubur lambuk’ distribution was held in collaboration with the Kuching Welfare and Disaster Relief Organisation, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Samariang, and the Petra Jaya Service Centre.
A total of 400 packs of ‘bubur lambuk’ were distributed to the public, along with a special Ramadan contribution event.
Additionally, 20 food baskets were donated to ‘asnaf’ (the underprivileged) in the Samariang area, contributed by Amal Kebajikan Kuching.
