KUCHING, Aug 3: The construction of a new surau in Asajaya to accommodate 150 Muslims has started this month (August 2020) and will be completed the same time next year.
Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the necessary facilities would come together with the construction of the surau.
“Once completed, the new surau is able to accommodate as many as 150 people at a time and among the facilities to be included are the management office, ablution place and ample parking spaces for cars and motorcycles.
“The compound area can be used for community activities as well,” he said during the symbolic handover ceremony of the surau project site at Kampung Serpan Ulu Community Hall, Asajaya on August 1.
Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, added that the cost of building the surau was originally estimated by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to be RM850,000.
However, the appointed contractor had given a lower cost and thus there was a cost saving of RM100,000.
“The construction of this new surau itself has saved us a lot of money and once completed it will serve the local community well,” he said.
Prior to that, Abdul Karim was invited to attend the handing over of Qurban meat programme held in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration in Asajaya.
That was where he called on the local Muslim community to continue their efforts in adhering strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while performing Qurban this year.
He said this was to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus although it may not be comfortable.
“Although the celebration is different from the previous years, we are still grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Aidiladha and to perform the Qurban in moderation while taking precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said. —DayakDaily
