KUCHING: Majlis Islam Sarawak has allocated RM4.5 million in financial aid to 1,652 mosques, surau and Islamic cemeteries in Sarawak
This annual contribution, in line with Section 46 of the Majlis Islam Sarawak Ordinance 2001, underscores the Majlis Islam Sarawak’s (MIS) commitment to ensuring that places of worship and burial grounds remain well-maintained.
The funds will support Jawatankuasa Pengurusan (JKP) Masjid dan Surau and Jawatan Kuasa Pengurusan Tanah Perkuburan Islam (JKPTI).
According to the Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, it is important to make mosques and surau more than just places of worship.
“Mosques should be hubs of Islamic brotherhood, education and community development.
“Their role extends beyond daily prayers to include religious lectures, welfare initiatives, and economic empowerment programmes for the ummah,” he said at the presentations of contributions to mos ues, surau and Islamic cemeteries held at the Sarawak Islamic Complex today (Feb 27).
Additionally, he said MIS’ latest funding scheme reflected a significant rise in the allocations for many mosques and surau.
While allocations for each grade I mosque (divisions) remains at RM1,000, those for grade II mosques (district) have doubled to RM2,000 each.
Similarly, Grade III mosques (small districts) now receive RM3,000 each, an increase of RM2,000.
An increase is also seen for grade IV mosques (parish/public), which now receives RM5,000 each, up from RM1,000.
Fundings for each mosque without schemes and surau (public) have also increased from RM1,000 to RM3,000.
Meanwhile, mosques and surau within premises will continue receiving RM1,000 each as per previous years.
As for the Islamic cemetery land, JKPTI-managed sites will now receive RM3,000, an increase of RM2,000 while cemeteries under LAK will maintain their existing funding of RM1,000.
Abdul Rahman hoped that the increased contributions would lead to better facilities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced community services at these institutions.
