Kuching: Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has put forward a proposal suggesting that Malay associations in the state establish a trust fund to manage properties owned by Malays. The initiative is aimed at ensuring Malay-owned properties remain within the community and are not sold off due to financial constraints or inheritance laws.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari emphasized that these associations could use the trust fund to purchase Malay-owned properties at market prices and manage them without altering their status. He highlighted a common issue whereby properties with commercial value are sold outside the community due to a lack of financial resources among the Malays when an owner passes away. By utilizing the trust fund, these properties could be retained within the community, as the fund would have the capacity to purchase them at market prices and manage them for the benefit of the Malay community.

Abang Johari also noted the importance of collaboration with non-Malay entities, given that the Malays participate as equity partners rather than selling off their entire stake. He stressed the need for financial strength within the Malay community to take up such equity, drawing on examples like Kampung Wireless in Miri and Kampung Nyabor in Sibu, where significant heritage sites have been lost. He expressed gratitude for having a working formula in Sarawak and urged the community to come together financially to defend their heritage through the proposed trust fund.