Religious Affairs Minister adopts Kg Sungai Baru as foster village

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru has been chosen as the adopted village of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, in line with the MADANI Government's commitment to fostering community unity and harmony.

Mohd Na'im said that he will ensure that Kampung Sungai Baru, with a particular focus on Kampung Baru, receives increased attention to address issues such as poverty, educational dropouts, health, unemployment, security, drug abuse, and infrastructure.

“As someone from Kampung Baru, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to address the needs of the people in Kampung Sungai Baru across various aspects, especially in education and Islamic appreciation, as these areas are closely linked to my role as Minister of Religion.

“I grew up here, experiencing both childhood and adolescence amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. This environment served as a life university, teaching me the values of mutual support, teamwork, and perseverance. The countless memories and nostalgia have significantly shaped who I am today,” he said.

He said this at the Santuni MADANI: Kampung Angkat MADANI Carnival, at the Sultan Sulaiman Club, Kampung Baru, which was also attended by Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories).

He also plans to establish a Kampung Baru Santuni MADANI team, which will be chaired by local residents to facilitate the planned development efforts for the village's progress.

On July 6, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, instructed the Cabinet and the Chief Secretary to the Government to adopt their own villages, or other villages, under the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, to ensure that development efforts extend beyond urban areas.

Earlier, Mohd Na'im, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), distributed donations to three asnaf recipients of MAIWP's zakat aid, during the Ziarah MADANI programme in Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru.

The recipients are single mother, Norazian Bistaman, 52; septuagenarian Siti Norsiah Mashkor, 70; and Badrol Hisham Mohd Noor, 62, who suffers from a neurological disease. Each received cash assistance and food items.

Mohd Na'im also took the opportunity to meet with the management of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Baru, which was selected to symbolise the launch of the Federal Territories Gerobok Rezeki Sekolah programme, with a total allocation of RM1.5 million.

“The Gerobok Rezeki Sekolah is an initiative by MAIWP, designed to ensure that no child, especially school students, goes hungry.

“With its 'take when needed, give without question' concept, this programme, implemented in collaboration with the Humanity Organisation of Malaysia (HUMANITY), benefits all students, regardless of religion or race,” he explained.

-- BERNAMA