LARUT: After nearly 60 years of struggling to manage funeral arrangements, residents of Kampung Masjid, Ijok are now grateful that a more suitable facility will be provided, thanks to the Kampung Angkat Madani initiative.
Idris Sudin, 70, chairman of Toh Paduka Raja Mosque at the village, said many residents had previously voiced their concerns to him on the matter. However, due to a lack of funds or sufficient allocations, it had been a barrier to setting up a proper washing area for the deceased.
“Previously, there was no such facility, even though this mosque has undergone three rounds of building upgrades. Space for washing could still not be provided, but the programme inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has opened up the possibility for us.
“Alhamdulillah, upon learning that our village would be part of the Kampung Angkat Madani programme, I tried to raise this issue with representatives of the National Audit Department (JAN), which is the agency responsible for this village,” he said when met at the launch of the Kampung Angkat Madani programme here yesterday.
Idris added that in the past, villagers had to wash and manage the deceased at their own homes, which was challenging as some houses are small and cramped.
Meanwhile, Mukim Hulu Ijok chief Mohammad Asyraf Zulkifli, 33, said that the community gathering area known as Arena Square is also being upgraded as part of the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme.
“Arena Square has great benefits and impacts for the villagers, as previously, the area was dirty and smelled foul from bird droppings.
“But now, with sufficient funds through this programme, we’ve sealed off the ceiling and installed bird detectors to deter them from roosting in that area. Alhamdulillah, this has worked, and we no longer face issues with foul odours and dirt,” he said.
Mohammad Asyraf added that the upgrading would benefit not only the 900 residents of Kampung Masjid but also approximately 9,800 others in Mukim Ijok.
“Previously, the residents set up a Ramadan bazaar there, and ideally, there should have been no need for tents. However, due to the issues, tents became necessary. Hopefully, next Ramadan, this will no longer be a problem,” he said.
Earlier, Auditor-General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi launched the Kampung Angkat Madani with an allocation of RM2.5 million to upgrade 10 projects in the area.
Among the projects are the construction of a school hall, installation of solar lights, and upgrading of facilities at the mosque, as well as public amenities such as business areas, a futsal court, a playground, and drainage systems.
On July 6, the Prime Minister instructed the Cabinet ministers and the Chief Secretary to the Government to select native villages or other villages to be adopted to ensure development is not concentrated in urban areas only. – BERNAMA
