KUCHING: The proposed establishment of the Sarawak Waqf Sustainability Fund (SWSF) was among the key matters presented by the Sarawak Waqf Foundation (Yayasan Waqaf Sarawak, YWS) during a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today (May 29).
The delegation was led by Chairman of the Board of Trustees of YWS Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg, accompanied by members of the Board of Trustees and senior management of YWS.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and President of the Sarawak Islamic Council (Majlis Islam Sarawak, MIS) Datuk Misnu Taha.
During the meeting, YWS briefed the Premier on the latest developments involving waqf initiatives in Sarawak, including the proposed SWSF, the management and development of waqf assets, social development programmes for the ummah, and long-term planning for strategic projects designed to benefit communities across the state. Waqf, a form of Islamic endowment, is increasingly being developed in Malaysia as a sustainable financing tool for education, welfare, and community development.
The proposed SWSF is envisioned as a strategic waqf platform aimed at mobilising participation in cash waqf, corporate waqf, and asset waqf, with the goal of creating a sustainable, professional, and high-impact waqf ecosystem. Such mechanisms are commonly used in Islamic finance to pool resources for long-term charitable and socio-economic projects.
YWS said the fund is expected to act as a catalyst for socio-economic development based on modern waqf principles aligned with Sarawak’s broader development aspirations, particularly in enhancing community welfare and supporting inclusive growth.
The courtesy visit also served to strengthen the strategic relationship between YWS and the Sarawak Government, while enabling discussions on the direction of waqf development in a more structured, sustainable, and impactful manner.
YWS added that the engagement reflects its continued commitment to supporting the state’s development agenda through the strengthening of an inclusive waqf ecosystem capable of delivering long-term benefits to future generations.
