By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 14: There are already signs indicating that Muslims in Sarawak are improving their economic position, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this is evidenced by more varieties of ‘zakat’ (tithe) in recent collections for this year.
“This signifies that if the economy is good, the Muslim community are in a good state of affairs, then surely there will be more contributions in the tithe collection,” he added.
He said this in his speech before officiating at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri thanksgiving ceremony for Sarawak Islamic agencies held at Dewan Hikmah Kuching last night (May 13).
Abang Johari added that many agencies in Sarawak are giving more contributions to the tithe collection, such as the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), which contributed RM2 million, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros)—Sarawak’s very own oil company, which has been in existence for less than four years with RM1 million.
According to the management of Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), they have already collected RM4 million in tithe collection for May, which the Premier lauded.
“This indicates that the economic situation for the Muslim community has improved. I hope it will continue to benefit to us all,” he said.
He said the Muslim community must continue to focus on the doctrine of justice and to teach it in the community between Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“The level of tolerance is important to ensure peace in our region and our effort in giving the best for our community in Sarawak. We must safeguard our unity and improve our economy,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak State Secretary, Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and chairman of Sarawak Islamic Council, Datu Misnu Taha. — DayakDaily
