Mukhriz encourages mosques to financially self-sufficient

ALOR STAR: Mosque communities in the country have been encouraged to venture into business to become financially independent and be able to fund mosque activities.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said by doing business, the mosque communities would not only be able to finance the mosque operational costs and activities, but also to play significant role in the society's socio-economic development.
"By setting up businesses, the imam and other mosque committee members would not longer be dependent on public contributions or donations to carry out their activities or cover the cost of maintenence for their premises.
"They could even contribute to the society's socio-economic development by offering jobs to the unemployed or the needy as well as organise more activities that would benefit the public," he said when officiating the inaugural entrepreneur development seminar for mosque communities here yesterday.
Mukhriz, who is also Jerlun member of parliament, suggested the mosque communities emulate the thriving business ventures at well known mosques in Saudi Arabia.
"They should be inspired by the business scenes there, but, more importantly, they have to be creative.
"The ministry is always ready to provide financial support or consultancy services for them through its various agencies," he said.

tunku : this is a very constructive idea. the mosque community should venture into business to finance the mosque activities and help the needy.for example a mosque should have a business center where people can buy anything there like religion's related items, household items or any other items.they can have a mini bazaar there.the profit will go to the mosque. the mosque can use the money for their activities.during ramadhan, the mosques should set up tents and give it for rental for bazaar ramadhan.i have seen few mosques doing this.this show that the mosque community people are active and not relying on government solely.there can be lots of thing more and further more like Mukhriz said, his ministry is always ready to provide financial support or cinsultancy services for them through its various agencies.