BY IDA NADHIRAH
KUCHING: Two hundred individuals from Satok area received zakat (tithe) aid from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) through the PETRONAS Muslim Staff Welfare Association (BAKIP).
The recipients consist of 160 needy families and 40 children from the Sri Satok community-based rehabilitation centre (PPDK).
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki presented the zakat to 160 recipients during the ‘Wakalah Zakat’ contribution programme held at the Toh Puan Hajjah Dayang Masniah Hall, Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol here on Saturday.
The remaining 40 recipients will receive the zakat from Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang during the breaking-of-fast meal at the Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Welfare Centre here tonight (Mar 30).
Earlier in his speech, Ibrahim, who is also PETRONAS non-independent non-executive director, expressed his gratitude to the staff of the national oil and gas company for their initiatives.
“The donation by the BAKIP will help ease the burden, especially of those who are in need,” he said.
He added it was also good to see that the tithe contribution not only covered Kuching area but also extended to areas such as Miri and Bintulu.
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Sarawak general manager Zulaihi Mantali said it was hoped that the zakat would bring some relief and a smile to the recipients especially with the upcoming Hari Raya celebration.
“In addition to the Satok area, other locations such as Demak, Samariang and Samarahan have also been selected for the programme.
“We hope our presence in selected locations is able to ease their burden in preparing preparing for the coming Aidilfitri,” he said.
The zakat contribution is held as an annual BAKIP programme to assist the less fortunate.
Among those present were political secretary to Deputy Prime Minister Irwan Zulkarnain Muhammad Hasbie; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok Women chief Salina Mohamad Salleh; PBB Youth chief Mohd Akram Mohamad Karim; PETRONAS Sarawak senior manager Norazibah Md Rabu; Temenggong Abdullah Jamil; and Pemanca Rosli Sahari.
