KUCHING: Orphans were among the beneficiaries of meat from nine cattle sacrificed for Hari Raya Aidiladha at the Laila Taib Welfare Complex yesterday.

Sarawak Orphans Welfare Organisation (Peryatim) chairman Datu Misnu Taha thanked the generous donors for contributing the animals.

“We have been conducting this programme every year and have received an amazing response each time,” Misnu, who is also Sarawak Islamic Council president, told reporters.

He said the programme demonstrated the public’s empathy for the 135 children at the orphanage.

In Sarawak, Peryatim cares for 380 orphans, including in Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri from all races and religions.

“Currently, at least 10 per cent of the orphans are non-Muslims,” said Misnu, pointing out that they are allowed to practise their own faith freely.

Earlier, some 5,000 Muslims including Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg attended prayers at Masjid Jamek led by chief imam Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

Among those present were Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang.

At Kampung Sandong, Jalan Datuk Stephen Yong, one cow donated by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen was sacrificed and its meat distributed to the needy.