BINTULU: The public has been cautioned against being easily swayed by unfounded accusations circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms about the Bintulu Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIB).
Its chairman, Iskandar Turkee, said the allegations which went viral recently are completely baseless.
Iskandar, who is Jepak assemblyman, explained that LAKIB is currently undergoing a transitional phase following the appointment of a new committee, which is now awaiting official gazettement under the Charitable Trust Ordinance 1994 before it can operate fully.
In this context, he addressed allegations of delayed assistance for students and those in need, saying support efforts are still ongoing through his Jepak Service Centre.
“Although LAKIB is not yet operational, we continue to provide direct assistance via the Jepak Service Centre.
“We’ve addressed many welfare, health and education-related cases based on current requests and needs,” he said.
He said he had been appointed chairman of LAKIB with Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Deputy Chairman, Datuk Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, serving as his deputy.
“The appointment of several other board members, including professionals such as lawyers, corporate figures, bank officers and community leaders, is currently being finalised,” he told reporters after distributing aid to flood victims at the Martabat Building here on Sunday afternoon.
Iskandar also informed that he and Haidar had met with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in April to update him on the latest developments regarding LAKIB and to seek guidance on the board’s new direction.
“The Premier has, in principle, expressed support for strengthening LAKIB’s governance, modelled after the Sarawak State Mosque Trust Board.
“Once the gazettement process is completed, we will begin official courtesy visits and meetings with relevant parties as part of our consolidation efforts,” he explained.
Iskandar expressed confidence that after everything is in place and the new structure is established, LAKIB will emerge better organised and capable of serving the community here more comprehensively.
