KUCHING – The spirit of Ramadan filled the Grand Margherita Hotel on Saturday evening as Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg joined tahfiz students and charity groups for an iftar gathering hosted by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
The Premier arrived at 6.45 pm with his daughter, Puan Dayang Norjihan. Senior officials, board members, and representatives from SEDC subsidiaries welcomed them at the venue.
Guests broke fast together before performing Maghrib prayers in congregation. Dinner followed, while the evening continued with Isyak and Tarawih prayers, adding a strong spiritual tone to the gathering.
A key moment of the ceremony involved the presentation of business zakat contributions. SEDC and its subsidiary SEDC Quarries Sdn Bhd handed over RM880,000 to the Sarawak Baitulmal Fund. The Premier witnessed the presentation, which supports communities facing hardship during the holy month.
SEDC Resources Sdn Bhd also contributed RM200,000 to the Sarawak Mentally Retarded Children Association (PERKATA). The support strengthens programmes focused on care, education, and empowerment for children with special needs.
Religious education also received attention during the ceremony. Contributions went to students from Madrasah Tahfiz Sulaimanniyyah Ar Ruqiyyah as encouragement in their pursuit of Islamic studies.
In his remarks, the Premier said Ramadan strengthens ties between government bodies, institutions, and society. Charity efforts during this period help reach families and individuals who need support the most.
The gathering also drew Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian and SEDC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain, along with department heads and senior management.
Through prayer, fellowship, and charity, the evening reflected Sarawak’s focus on community care and shared responsibility during Ramadan.
