PAYA Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh recently visited the Surau Al-Mutaqqin in Paya Terubong to check on its multipurpose hall that underwent upgrading works for the benefit of the community there.
Yeoh, who is also the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, said the upgrading works, which involved a cost of almost RM34,000, commenced in 2019 (Oct 30) and was completed in the same year on Dec 15.
“The entire expenditure came from the Bukit Gelugor MP’s allocation. Some of the upgrading works included installing new windows, minor expansion of the hall size and others.
“Thank you to YB Ramkarpal and team for this initiative. This is a much-needed upgrade for the hall as it is widely utilised by both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities,” Yeoh said in his speech during a brief visit to the surau, followed by a breaking fast ceremony with the local community there on May 1.
Meanwhile, Ramkarpal said although the upgrading works were completed in late 2019 but due to the strict Covid-19 restrictions that were in place, now is the best time to share the news as Hari Raya Aidilfitri draws nearer.
“This multipurpose hall is a space that caters for all, and with this upgrade, it is hoped that the hall will be able to benefit more and more people in the future.
“Thank you to the management here for constantly caring for the needs of the community here, especially when those in need would require space to live temporarily. Your good deeds are being watched by God himself,” Ramkarpal said during his speech.
The surau’s secretary Mohamad Rizal Omar, when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara, said the multipurpose hall is not only used for weddings, birthdays or any surau-related events but also used as a shelter for those families who have lost their homes through fire incidents and others who would require temporary shelter.
“This hall is not only open for our Muslim friends, but for non-Muslims too,” Rizal said during the brief interview session.
The hall was originally built in 1998.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan