MUKAH: The Ziarah Mahabbah programme continues to serve as an important platform in strengthening the coordination of Islamic agencies, bringing religious institutions closer to the community and ensuring the implementation of government policies meet the needs of the people.

President of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) Datuk Misnu Taha said that this on-the-ground approach through the programme allows Islamic agencies to hear the views of the community before formulating more effective initiatives.

According to him, Ziarah Mahabbah not only strengthens aspects of welfare, da'wah and education, but also serves as a medium for strengthening ukhuwah and fostering ummah unity.

"Beyond that, it becomes a bridge that connects Islamic institutions, leaders and the people towards realising the aspirations of ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Ziarah Mahabbah of the Sarawak Islamic Council Mukah-Kapit Zone Year 1448H/2026M which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja, here, on Friday.

Datuk Misnu said the implementation of the 2026 Ziarah Mahabbah was divided into three main zones, namely the South Zone, the Central Zone and the North Zone, involving various community-based programmes, mosque outreach, women's empowerment, Islamic affairs and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based education.

For the Central Zone, he said, Mukah was chosen as the implementation location in collaboration with 10 Islamic agencies and strategic partners which organised a total of 46 programmes involving the participation of 6,740 participants.

He also shared several key initiatives of the Sarawak Government including the Sarawak Sovereign Future Wealth Fund (SSWFF), the STEM agenda, free tertiary education, infrastructure development and the establishment of AirBorneo which is considered to be proof of the government's commitment to improving the welfare of the people and driving the development of the state.

Accordingly, he expressed hope that Ziarah Mahabbah would continue to serve as a platform to strengthen kinship, unity and development of the ummah, in addition to affirming MIS' commitment to continue working with the government and various agencies in building a knowledgeable, united and prosperous society. -UKASnews