BEAUFORT: In line with efforts to reinforce the ties of brotherhood, the Sipitang Parliamentary Service Centre and the Lumadan Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) organised a breaking of fast event and the distribution of donations to mosques and suraus within the Lumadan state constituency, in Mukim Gadong, here on Saturday.
As part of the program, 75 mosques and suraus in the Lumadan state constituency received cash donations from Sipitang Member of Parliament, Datuk Matbali Musah, and Lumadan State Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Hj Ruslan Muharam.
At the same time, Matbali, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM), officiated the Open Hall of the Mukim Gadong Mosque, which was subsequently named ‘Al-Ukhuwah Open Hall of Mukim Gadong’.
Approximately 500 residents from the surrounding area attended the event, which began as early as 4 PM.
Before breaking the fast, the Officer of Islamic Affairs from the Sabah State Islamic Affairs Department (JHEANS) Kota Kinabalu, Mohd Ridzuan Kaplin, delivered a sermon.
When met, Matbali stated that the donations presented were a sign of concern and support for the mosques and suraus in the area during Ramadan Al-Mubarak.
“Together with ADUN Lumadan, Datuk Ruslan Muharam, we have provided contributions to 34 mosques and 40 suraus, especially during the month of Ramadan.
“This is a collaboration or unity between me and Datuk Ruslan. It reflects our affection for the management of mosques and suraus during the month of Ramadan Al-Mubarak,” he said.
Regarding the Open Hall of Ukhuwah at the Mukim Gadong Mosque, Matbali mentioned that the hall, valued at RM250,000, was funded by the allocation approved by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, last year.
Earlier in his speech, Matbali expressed hope that the people would continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and ukhuwah among one another, so that development agendas could be implemented smoothly.
He praised the spirit and support of the residents of Mukim Gadong in making the program a success.
