MUKAH: The concept of knowledge waqf needs to be expanded as a strategic instrument to strengthen the welfare of the Muslim community and drive the development of ummah through the dissemination of knowledge that provides continuous benefits.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the community should not see waqf as limited to property such as land or buildings, but rather knowledge is also a valuable asset that can be passed on to future generations.

According to him, knowledge is a catalyst for improving the living standards of the community in various fields including education, agriculture, technology and the economy.

“We have been making property waqf, but the concept of knowledge waqf must be expanded because knowledge is an instrument that can help people transform their lives.

“When knowledge is conveyed with the intention of improving the lives of people, it becomes a form of waqf that provides continuous benefits,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Mahabbah Ziarah of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) Mukah-Kapit Zone for the Year 1448H/2026M with the theme of ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’ at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja, here, on Friday.

The Sarawak Premier added that the proposal to strengthen the concept of knowledge waqf was also shared with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, in addition to receiving the attention of the Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be refined through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the state Islamic religious authorities.

Meanwhile, he said human capital development continued to be Sarawak’s priority through an emphasis on mastery of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), English as well as various educational initiatives to produce skilled human capital capable of leading the fields of hydrogen economy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the aspirations Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS).

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also stressed that development must be carried out in balance with environmental protection as advocated by Islam to ensure the well-being of future generations.

At the same event, he witnessed the launch of a strategic partnership between the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) and Affin Islamic Bank through the MIS Pro platform which is expected to strengthen service delivery to the Muslim community in the state.

Immediately after the event, the Sarawak Premier also performed Friday prayers at the Setia Raja Mosque.

Also present were the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Health Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Regional Development Agency Project Coordinator, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MIS President Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti Datu Khalidi Ibrahim, Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi, Chief Executive Officer of the Darul Hana Quran Development Centre (DHQC-MIS) Mohamad Shalahudin Marzuki, Tellian Assemblyman Royston Valentine, Mukah Division Resident Bujang Rahman Seli, JAIS Director Ustaz Mual Suaud and other dignitaries. -UKASnews