KUCHING: The increase in zakat collection by Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) during Ramadan this year proves that the economy of the Muslim community in Sarawak is in good condition.
According to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, this matter can be seen through the contribution made by the agencies in Sarawak this year.
“I notice that agencies in Sarawak contribute relatively good (business) zakat this year, where the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) contributed more than RM2 million, while PETROS, which is only four years old, contributed RM1 million. This amount excludes the other companies that also contributed their zakat this year.
“According to TBS general manager Datuk Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie, throughout this year’s Ramadan month, we received over RM4 million in zakat contributions.
“This implies that the economic condition of Muslims has increased. With that, we pray that it will continue to increase and will benefit us all,” he said at the Sarawak Islamic Agencies’ Hari Raya open house at Dewan Hikmah here last night (May 13).
On another matter, Abang Johari emphasised the importance of education among the Muslim community in Sarawak.
He said that the state government has a basis to raise the dignity of the community from an educational and social point of view so that they can together contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia in general.
“It is important for the Muslim children to have the latest knowledge and be among those who can use their knowledge to benefit mankind.
“In line with that, they also need to focus on the doctrine of justice that we must give to the non-Muslim and Muslim communities.
“Tolerance is important as it can help us keep our state safe and continue our efforts to provide for the good of our community in Sarawak,” he said.
