SEPANG, 26 Feb: The participants of the Lambaian Kaabah Selangorku Umrah programme praised the state government for emphasising prayer and religion for the people.

Those selected also expressed gratitude because the state government appreciates all donations by the people that have helped in the development of Selangor.

Invest Selangor Berhad officer, Zainuddin Ahmad, 37, said that the programme is good because not everyone is able to fund the costs of performing the Umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca).

“Thank God I was selected to meet the company’s quota for this programme.

“The state government is so sensitive to the needs of the people because not everyone has the ability to come up with the cost to perform the Umrah,” he told Selangor Kini today.

A total of 64 participants selected for the programme set out today and is accompanied by the Exco for Islamic Affairs, Malay Customs and Heritage, Rural Development and Traditional Villages, Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, and the Director of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Datuk Haris Kassim, to celebrate them at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

His colleague, Mohd Mislah Maryaman, 44, also praised the state government’s move which is synonymous with the ‘caring for the people’ concept.

“This is my first time being selected and I am excited because I did not think my dream would become a reality. I hope it continues because it benefits the people a lot,” he said.

A participant from Rawang, Siti Fatimah Mojd Amar, 47, said that emphasis in worship and religious matters by the state government should be praised and be an example to others.

“This programme is great because many were selected to participate. It ought to be held again so that more Selangorians can perform their pilgrimage,” she said.

NS