primary role of the mosque is as a prayer house, it can provide an opportunity to Muslim traders to gain income

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said while the primary role of the mosque is as a prayer house, it can provide an opportunity to Muslim traders to gain income via business and activities within its premises.

He said it would indirectly boost the image of the mosque as well as raise funds to carry out its activities.

"Hence, the inaugural bazaar is hoped to stimulate entrepreneurial activities among (Muslim) Bumiputeras," he said at the Al-Mubarak Bazaar ground-breaking ceremony at Masjid Bandaraya, Monday.

The bazaars would be built at three venues, namely Masjid Bandaraya, Masjid Bukit Padang and Masjid Ranau. Should the endeavour prove a success, it could be also set up in other mosques statewide.

The bazaar at Masjid Bandaraya is a joint-venture between the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) and Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) with a cost of RM1 million.

The bazaar would have six premises, six stalls and a restaurant with construction to start as soon as possible. But in smaller mosques, the bazaars would be constructed at less than RM1m.

Musa advised the entrepreneurs to start small and to be diligent after commencing with their operations.

He also advised them to maintain cleanliness within their premise at all times so as to ensure hygiene and convenience to the customers and fellow entrepreneurs.

"I hope the entrepreneurs would do their work well and efficient.

Don't give up so easily. I believe with the ability of our entrepreneurs to be successful if they are sincere, hardworking and meticulous," he said.

He said there are various State and Federal agencies that are geared towards providing assistance to the entrepreneurs.

Also present were Resource Development and Information Technology Asst Minister, Datuk Jainab Ahmad, Sedco chairman Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan.