SIBU, Nov 15: The late Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who went from shop to shop seeking donations for welfare work and initiated an autism centre in Kuching, was honoured in the town where she grew up when the Agape Centre Sibu named its new building the Wisma Puan Sri Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang.
Speaking at the centre’s 20th anniversary celebration here yesterday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the tribute meant a great deal to his family because it recognised his late wife’s years of service to the community, particularly to children with special needs.
“I must share with you that the autism centre in Kuching was initiated by her,” he said.
Abang Johari said Juma’ani wanted children with special needs to receive the support they needed as they grew into adulthood.
Once their own children became more independent, he said, she devoted more time to community work and cared for the children she helped as if they were her own.
He recalled how she approached shopkeepers and companies for donations for the welfare activities of the Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (Sabati) in the early years of his ministerial career.
She continued her charity work throughout her life, including supporting an orphanage in Kuching.
Abang Johari also said the tribute was especially meaningful because Juma’ani had spent her early years in Sibu, where the Agape Centre now brings five organisations under one roof, namely the Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu; Methodist Care Centre; Sibu Autistic Association; Special Olympics Sarawak (Sibu Chapter); and Lau King Howe Memorial Children’s Clinic.
He added that the centre showed how groups with different expertise could work together to support children with special needs and help them take an active part in their communities.
— BERNAMA