Kota Kinabalu: The Bingkisan Ihsan Sahur (BIS) programme, organised by the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) in collaboration with the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains), distributed 1,500 food baskets across 14 locations around here Wednesday.
The programme, officiated by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, who is also State Exco of Islamic Affairs, aims to enliven the sahur (pre-dawn meal) atmosphere, particularly during the final days of Ramadan.
He said the distribution involved several key locations, including hospitals, District Police Headquarters (IPD), Fire and Rescue Stations and other identified premises.
“A total of 1,500 food baskets were prepared and distributed to over 14 locations through three teams mobilised simultaneously to ensure these contributions reach the intended recipients.
“This initiative is the result of contributions from various parties, including Muis, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and relevant agencies under Jheains and my ministry,” he said when met after officiating the flag-off ceremony at Sabah State Mosque.
Also present were Muis Chief Executive Datuk Ramlan Ag Ali, Jheains Director Awang Juri Awang Tahir and representatives of agencies under the respective institutions.
Dr Mohd Ariffin said the programme not only aims to provide sahur meals for frontline workers but also serves as a platform to strengthen relationships and cooperation between government agencies and participating organisations.
“This is our collective effort to foster consensus and mahabah (love/affection) between agencies, while strengthening ties with the organisations and frontliners we visit.
“This programme is among the first large-scale initiatives of its kind to be implemented, following previous sahur visitation programmes held in areas such as Gaya Island.
“May this effort be blessed and serve as a starting point for closer cooperation between us all in the future,” he said, expressing hope that the programme brings blessings to all parties, especially as it is carried out during the final, most holy days of Ramadan.
