ADIB POVERA
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called upon the Muslim community to observe the month of Ramadan as an opportunity to foster spiritual, mental and physical strengths.
Najib said fasting was the best form of “tarbiah” (religious education) for the Muslim community to reflect and transform into better individuals.
“The Islam community observe Ramadan as the “penghulu” (chief) of all the months (in a year).
“And fasting is the best form of tarbiah, which could help to educate the Muslim community to become stronger and better individuals.
“God willing, if we adhere to every requirement and refrain any wrongdoings that could affect our fasting, we will be rewarded with fadhilat (advantage) from Allah,” Najib said in his speech at the launching of Festival Ramadan Putrajaya at the Qiblat Walk.
Present were Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hassan Malek and Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
On the festival that would be held for 29 days until July 27, Najib said he liked the concept of the event.
He said the people in Putrajaya and nearby areas could find every items for the fasting month as well as making preparations for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Najib, who is also finance minister, was also happy on how the I Bazaar Ramadan micro-credit financing scheme, which was launched early last month, had helped many people especially stall operators to operate their businesses.
“The government via Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister had allocated RM45 million for the micro-financing scheme.
“Anyone could apply up to RM3,000 in loan without any interest incurred,” Najib said.
Earlier, Aseh in his speech, said the scheme has benefited 96 stall operators here to operate their business during the fasting month.