BINTULU: A waqaf clinic has been proposed to be established at the Martabat Building here as part of efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare services for the Muslim community in the district.
The proposal was put forward by Jepak assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, who is also the Bintulu Welfare Trust Board (LAKIB) Chairman, in his speech at the Hari Raya Gratitude Ceremony 1446H organised by the Private Islamic Education Institute (IPIP) Bintulu yesterday.
According to him, the waqaf clinic is expected to be realised through strategic collaboration between Baitulmal Sarawak, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and LAKIB, with the aim of providing basic healthcare services to the community, especially those from the low-income group.
“The Martabat Building should not only function as a centre for Islamic education, but I would also like to see it serve as a centre for community wellbeing.
“The proposal to establish a waqaf clinic is part of an effort to ease the burden of healthcare costs for the local community,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous synergy between religious agencies, educational institutions and the community in strengthening social development and the welfare of Muslims here.
In addition to focusing on healthcare welfare, he also expressed his commitment to strengthening the development of Islamic education through institutions, such as SRIT Darul Hidayah and Madrasah At-Taqwa, that are gaining increasing interest in Bintulu.
“We are not only looking at increasing the number of students, but we must also prioritise the quality of education and character development in our efforts to produce a generation that excels both in this world and the hereafter.
“A combination of education and welfare such as this will not only produce a knowledgeable generation but also a community that is spiritually and physically well-balanced,” he added.
He further stressed that strong cooperation between the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), IPIP, schools and the community is the key catalyst for the success of these institutions.
