Perak’s mosques will expand their role as community hubs by launching environmental and food security programmes, following a royal decree to enhance their societal impact.

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has decreed that the state’s mosques must expand their function beyond religious affairs to become centres for community development. Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini announced new environmental sustainability and food security initiatives.

He said at least two mosques in each district will become collection centres for used items and electrical waste within three months. The programme aims to educate the public against littering and reduce single-use plastic consumption.

The state Department of Environment (DOE) will collaborate with MAIPk to coordinate the activities. Initially, the DOE allocated funds for 60 mosques, but MAIPk agreed to increase the total to 120.

State DOE director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh said establishing e-waste centres promotes recycling and can generate mosque income. E-waste includes used car batteries, damaged televisions, and old washing machines.

“This initiative not only helps reduce environmental pollution, but the electronic waste collected can also be sold,” he said. Mosques that collect high volumes will receive additional incentives to organise more sustainability programmes.

For food security, the State Agriculture Department will continue a programme with selected mosques for papaya and mushroom cultivation. Director Norsiyenti Othman said assistance, including seedlings and technical advice, will be provided.

This is the third year of the programme, with a target of at least one mosque per district for papaya projects. A total of 12 mosques are targeted for mushroom cultivation under full departmental supervision.

 The Sun Malaysia