MAIPK THANKS MALAYSIANS AS LAND PURCHASE FOR MASJID JAMEK AR-RIDZUAN TO BE FINALISED SOON

IPOH, May 8 (Bernama) -- The fundraising campaign to purchase part of the land for Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan in Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai has surpassed its RM1.8 million target, with over RM2.1 million raised, and the purchase will proceed with the landowner shortly.

Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini confirmed that the Perak State Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) has been notified of the development and urged the mosque management to finalise the transaction immediately.

“MAIPk is ready to assist with the necessary documentation for the purchase, which will be submitted to the land office without delay,” he said in a press conference here today.

The issue came to light when it was revealed that the land on which the mosque is located was owned by a non-Muslim individual, as it had been sold by the grandson of the original waqf giver. To prevent future complications, the landowner has agreed to sell it back.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad subsequently announced that the state government would use funds raised from Friday prayer donations to repurchase the land.          

Mohd Annuar expressed gratitude to donors nationwide for their contributions to the mosque, emphasising that the Menteri Besar's initiative to encourage mosques and surau diri Jumaat (Friday suraus) to set up special funds for donations had galvanized the Muslim community to engage in charity and waqf.

He dismissed criticism that the state government should have funded the purchase, calling such statements irresponsible.

“I am confident that if the mosque had not been able to raise enough funds, the state government would have taken responsibility,” he said.

MAIPk and JAIPk will also take steps to ensure the issue of waqf land for Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan does not recur, advising mosque and surau committees across the state to review the status of their land.

“We have learned from this case and will ensure that similar issues are addressed, particularly those involving land waqf for mosques and suraus,” he said.

-- BERNAMA