KUCHING: Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid Negeri Sarawak (LAKMNS) is currently undertaking the expansion of the Raudhatul Sakinah Islamic Cemetery, which will increase its land size from 62 acres to 94.58 acres.
LAKMNS Honorary Secretary, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, said the expansion will raise the number of burial plots from 45 to 81, providing nearly 10,000 additional burial spaces to meet future demand.
“LAKMNS is also intensifying its waqf initiatives, including the construction of gazebos at the cemetery, the Nurul Saadah Religious Centre and Quran waqf projects, in collaboration with Yayasan Wakaf Sarawak,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the Festival Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026 closing ceremony at Dewan Serbaguna Taman Sukma here today (June 21).
Abdul Aziz said that the event recorded an encouraging response, attracting more than 10,000 visitors throughout its 10-day run.
He said that the annual festival, held from June 12 to 21, featured more than 30 programmes and activities with the direct participation of over 6,000 people.
The festival has continued to grow since its introduction in 2022, serving as a platform to bring together communities from various backgrounds through spiritual, educational, sports, health, entrepreneurial and community-based activities.
“The response this year has been very encouraging and reflects the strong potential of mosque institutions as a platform for community development and unity,” he said.
He added that the festival was originally centred at Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak, but due to ongoing tower construction works, this year’s edition was brought closer to the community through a ground engagement approach.
“Dewan Serbaguna Taman Sukma was selected for its strategic location, complete facilities and accessibility, allowing more people from around Kuching and nearby areas to take part in the festival,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to all agencies, sponsors, volunteers and strategic partners who contributed to the success of the festival.
