SIBU – A total of 2,000 participants from various federal and state agencies joined forces for the Gotong-Royong Perdana Programme at the Al-Qadim Cemetery, Sibu, on Sunday. This large-scale community effort was organised in preparation for the upcoming Ramadan.
The programme, spearheaded by the Sibu Division Islamic Celebration Standing Committee in collaboration with the Sibu Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIS), took place from 7am to 10am.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, who is also the Chairman of LAKIS, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, was present at the event and expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in ensuring its success.
“This programme brings together various agencies to keep the Al-Qadim Islamic Cemetery clean and well-maintained,” he said during the event.
Among the activities carried out were:
- Cleaning of the cemetery area
- Tree felling and pruning
- Planting of new flowers
- Painting and maintenance of grave walls
Dr. Annuar emphasised that this gotong-royong programme is more than just a cleanliness initiative; it is an effort to strengthen the spirit of unity and care within the community.
“I hope similar programmes will continue in the future to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of Islamic cemeteries,” he added.
Also present at the programme were representatives from key organisations, including:
- Nursyarmilla Jeruis, Chairman of the Sibu Islamic Festival Standing Committee
- Ustaz Azhar Hipni, Representative of the Sibu Islamic Religious Department (JAIS)
- Jamil Julaihi, Secretary of LAKIS
Their presence and active participation further reinforced the importance of community-driven efforts in maintaining public spaces.
The Gotong-Royong Perdana Programme not only ensures a clean and serene final resting place for the departed but also strengthens the bonds between various agencies and the local community. With the success of this initiative, many are hopeful that similar efforts will continue to be a part of Sibu’s community development activities in the future. — UKASnews
