By DayakDaily Team
GEDONG, May 28: Improved awareness and discipline in financial management have enabled more Muslims in Sarawak to participate in the qurban ritual, while also reflecting growing stability and strength within the community’s economy.
In a TVS news, Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the increasing adoption of early financial planning, such as consistent year-round savings, has made it easier for more Muslims to take part in the annual ibadah qurban.
He said this development not only reflects greater awareness of religious obligations among Muslims, but also demonstrates improved financial capability within the community.
“Alhamdulillah, this year we were able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha in a peaceful atmosphere. I also observed that the celebration this time was very good and many Muslims performed the qurban ritual.
“Perhaps this also shows that our economy is improving and people have better financial capacity to carry out the qurban,” he said after officiating the handover ceremony of sacrificial cattle and meat for the N26 Gedong constituency, held at the compound of Masjid Al-Kawthar here today.
Further commenting, Abang Johari said the approach implemented by staff of the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) could serve as an example, where employees and administration personnel voluntarily set aside monthly savings.
“If we look at it, the price of cattle can reach RM10,000 now. But the staff of DBKU make voluntary monthly savings in advance as an allocation to purchase animals for the qurban ritual.
“So now it appears that the Muslim community has developed awareness, where they sacrifice earlier by setting aside funds to buy livestock when the time comes,” he added.
Abang Johari further explained that such a practice not only reflects the spirit of sacrifice, but can also be seen as a form of waqf and future preparation for the benefit of society.
At the event, some 150 Muslims in Gedong constituency benefited from the distribution of qurban meat involving 26 cattle.
Of that total, Premier contributed 19 cattle, while Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee and Agrobank Sarawak contributed six and one cattle respectively for the purpose.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Mufti Khalidi Ibrahim, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and Gedong District Officer Jamain Wahab. — DayakDaily
