Surau Nur Iman officiated, 54 Residents get food baskets

13 September 2025

SANDAKAN: Appointed State Assemblyman Datuk Jaffari Walian officiated at Surau Nur Iman in Kampung Sungai Monyet and, at the same event, presented special food basket aid to 54 local recipients yesterday.

The ceremony was held in a lively atmosphere, attended by the Chairman of Surau Nur Iman cum Chairman of the Kampung Sungai Monyet Development and Security Committee (JKKK), Elias Salleh; Sandakan Assistant Director of Welfare, Ansharey Matarsad; Sandakan Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) representative, Kartika; as well as the entourage from the Appointed Assemblyman’s Service Centre.

During the programme, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and PERKESO Sandakan also set up service counters to assist villagers with welfare aid listings, PERKESO contribution checks and My Suri programme registration.

According to Jaffari, the initiative greatly benefitted the villagers as it allowed them to deal directly with the relevant agencies without the need to travel to town.

“This ground-level approach not only saves time and costs for rural communities but also ensures they gain access to the rights and facilities provided by the government,” he said.

Jaffari added that the distribution of food baskets to families in need was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the welfare of the people, particularly in the face of rising living costs.

“A total of 54 families received aid this time. Although the value may not be large, it can still help ease their household expenses.

“The government remains committed to channelling various forms of assistance through the proper channels so that no group is left out,” he said.

At the same time, Jaffari stressed that the role of mosques extends beyond serving as houses of worship, highlighting their importance as community centres for social, educational and welfare activities.

“The officiation of Surau Nur Iman further strengthens the infrastructure of Kampung Sungai Monyet. I hope it will become a centre for uniting the ummah, promoting the spirit of cooperation and nurturing the younger generation with noble Islamic values,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to all involved, particularly the JKKK, mosque management and government agencies that have consistently worked hand in hand to ensure the success of community welfare programmes.

Jaffari emphasised that close cooperation between the government, mosques and village communities is key to strengthening solidarity.

“When everyone works together with one heart, we can not only address welfare concerns but also enhance socio-economic development and reinforce community unity,” he said.