By Ling Hui & Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 16: In Sarawak, there is a total of 490 registered waqf assets and RM11.86 million cash value in waqf.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in stating this, added that a total of RM15.2 million was collected by third party waqf schemes in Sarawak.
Waqf (‘wa-kaf’) is a charitable donation of a property, building or land to be used for the benefit of the public. It is a voluntary act of devotion that has been practised by Muslims for centuries.
Endowment, which is closely related to waqf, refers to the permanent dedication of funds or other assets for charitable purposes.
Abang Johari said both these waqf and endowments are used to support various causes such as education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.
“The importance of waqf and endowments lie in their ability to provide sustainable funding for the government’s initiatives. We are able to utilise funds generated through waqf and endowments to support various projects and programs.
“For instance, the funds can be used to build hospitals, schools and other essential infrastructure,” he said when officiating at the International Conference on WAQF and Endownment 2023 and Health WAQF Fund held at The Waterfront Hotel here today.
In addition to government initiatives, Abang Johari said there are also several private and non-governmental organisations that are involved in waqf activities in Sarawak.
He said the Sarawak Islamic Council oversees and regulates the establishment and management of waqf properties in the region while Sarawak Islamic Religious Department and Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak provides guidance and support to waqf institutions and beneficiaries. — DayakDaily
