KOTA KINABALU: In recognition of their exceptional service to the community, Haji Syed Husin Bin Habib Omar, Deputy President of Hawi Al Khairat (HAK) Malaysia, and Datuk Dr. Hajah Suzain Bte Suhaimi, Chairperson of the KK City Mosque Syukbah Wanita, were honoured at the Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK) Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025 celebration yesterday.
Representing the men’s and women’s categories, they received the Maal Hijrah Icon Award and the Saidatina Khadijah Award, respectively, from Kota Kinabalu City Mayor, Dato’ Sri Sabin Bin Samitah.
Syed Husin, 74, is a veteran in volunteer work and widely recognised for his contributions to community empowerment, welfare, and dakwah initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led welfare and outreach programmes that provided food baskets to over 20,000 recipients across Sabah.
A former committee member of the Kota Kinabalu Bandaraya Mosque, Syed Husin held several senior positions and achieved notable milestones, including transforming the mosque into a prominent tourist attraction and establishing bazaars and stalls to support small-scale traders in collaboration with government agencies.
Meanwhile, Dr Suzain, 69, is celebrated for her extensive work in healthcare and community welfare. Her dedication to primary healthcare extends to outreach efforts in villages, providing medical assistance and welfare support to those in need.
A mother of three, Dr Suzain also founded a pioneer outreach programme for the terminally ill at Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, where she and her team of volunteers provide psychosocial support, assist families, including loaning medical equipment to patients under their care. Her selfless contributions exemplify how medical expertise, compassion, and commitment to community wellbeing can create a profound and lasting impact.
During his keynote address, the mayor congratulated the winners for their unwavering commitment to Islam, society, and outreach initiatives.
“This year’s Maal Hijrah theme aims to build a united society guided by true Islamic virtues and knowledge, promoting noble character while emphasizing resilience, progress, and innovation, all while preserving Islamic identity,” Sabin said.
The celebration also honoured three more outstanding individuals: Aqaree Fawwaz Abekan, recipient of the Khalid Ibn Al-Walid Award (Youth); Norfarihah Izzati Binti Adnan, recipient of the Fatimah Az-Zahrah Award (Youth); and Datuk Hj Awang@Awang Sham Bin Ami @Amat, recipient of the Abdul Rahman Auf Award (Entrepreneurship). Each winner received a plaque, certificate, and RM1,000. – Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
