RM330,000 annual grants disbursed to mosques, suraus in Petra Jaya

KUCHING (Feb 14): A total of 30 mosques and 60 suraus in the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency received annual grants amounting to RM330,000 here at Masjid Darul Ibadah Kampung Semariang Lama.

The grants were presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Petra Jaya MP, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof during the handover ceremony tonight as part of the constituency’s yearly initiative to support mosque and surau administrations.

Fadillah said the allocation aimed to ease the financial burden of mosque and surau committees in organising community activities and programmes.

“We are very fortunate here in Sarawak as the state government assists in the construction of mosques and suraus.

“Also, with public contributions, we are able to build and develop these mosques and surau,” he said when delivering his speech.

He noted that while many mosques and surau in Petra Jaya are in good condition, the greater challenge now was to enliven them.

“The mosques and surau may already be beautiful and spacious, but the congregations (jemaah) are not yet as large as they should be. This is our challenge — how do we attract more people?

“We must remember that the surau is a place to unite the ummah, to seek knowledge and to resolve community issues,” he added.

Fadillah also stressed the need to equip congregations with both religious and worldly knowledge, including digital literacy skills, in light of rapid technological changes.

“Technology is evolving rapidly. Sometimes we cannot distinguish between what is true and what is false,” he said.

“If fake news touches on sensitivities, it can cause disputes not only among Muslims but also among different religions and races in our country. This is something we must safeguard against.”

Additionally, he encouraged mosque and surau committees to organise courses aimed at enhancing technological skills, particularly on artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI has its benefits, even though it also has drawbacks. If used properly, it can help spread Islamic teachings and promote positive activities that guide us towards success in this world and the hereafter.

“If anyone wishes to organise such programmes, I am ready to assist,” he said.

Also present was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.