JOIN US: Abdul Rahman (second left), Zamahari (fourth right) and Helmi (third left) display a ‘Gotong-Royong of Muslim Cemeteries’ poster.
KUCHING: A mass ‘gotong-royong’ to clean up 29 Muslim cemeteries under the jurisdiction of Kuching will be held from 7.30am this Saturday.
Organised for the first time by Kuching Resident’s Office and Kuching Malay Community Leaders’ Association in conjunction with Sarawak’s 50 years of independence in Malaysia, the main event to be held at Pending Muslim Cemetery will be officiated by Islamic Affairs Assistant Minister Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.
“Cleaning cemeteries has become a regular practice for the Muslim community particularly with the approach of the fasting month of Ramadan.
“This time, the ‘gotong-royong’ will involve Kuching Resident’s Office and various agencies,” Kuching Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi revealed at a press conference here yesterday.
According to him, all kampung and surau Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) have been instructed to organise the ‘gotong-royong’ at cemeteries in their villages on the date specified.
“The ‘gotong-royong’ will be held at 29 Muslim cemeteries including Sourabaya Ulu Cemetery, Kampung Buntal Cemetery, Kampung Batu Kitang Cemetery, Kampung Sejingkat Cemetery as well as cemeteries at Bau and Lundu district among others,” disclosed Abdul Rahman, adding that around 2,900 people are expected to participate in the programme.
Abdul Rahman said a memorandum bearing the signatures of Malay community leaders under the jurisdiction of Kuching will be presented to Daud during the main event.
“This memorandum is to request for the gazetting of Muslim cemeteries,” he said.
Temenggong Helmi Mohd Gol will represent the Malay community leaders.
The press conference was also attended by Kuching Deputy Resident Zamahari Saidi and Helmi.