KUCHING: Seventeen suraus in Samariang constituency have received special grants of RM15,000 each to upgrade their physical facilities.
Petra Jaya Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government was fully aware that some suraus sometimes have limited funds.
“Funds are needed for them to do repair, maintain or upgrade existing facilities. That is why this year we provide funds for them.
“However, the funds given are strictly for physical upgrades and maintenance only, and it is not to be used to fund any programmes or activities here,” he said.
He said this at Surau Darul Falah in Samariang during last Sunday’s presentation of special grants for the physical upgrading of suraus within the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency.
These took the total to RM840,000 allocated through the special grant for 56 suraus in the constituency.
During the ceremony, Fadillah suggested that the chairman and committee members of 17 suraus organise some talk programmes.
“Maybe once a month, the committee members should take turns to invite famous speakers to share their knowledge.
“The speakers do not have to be experts in religious fields. Experts in other fields may also be invited … perhaps psychologists or counsellors, etc.
“Ideally, suraus should not be limited to giving knowledge on fardu kifayah or fardu ain only. They should also be used for sharing other types of knowledge to raise awareness to the public,” he said, adding that the talks should be live-streamed on social media platforms.
He then raised the matter of suicides that he said increased during the pandemic due to overwhelming life pressures.
“On this matter, it is hoped that suraus would not only take care of religious affairs but also take care of the people’s well-being,” he said.
