Members present at the AGM
By Jessie Ting, Secretary
Nov 8 2022
KOTA KINABALU – After a hiatus of two years due to the pandemic Covid-19, members of St Joseph’s Benevolent Fund were finally able to get together for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) Oct 23.
Only 78 out of the 1882 living members attended the AGM held at the Hall of Catholic Archdiocesan Center, Jalan Sang Kancil. The meeting began with lunch and proceeded to the meeting proper agenda whereby various matters were tabled and presented to the members in the Annual Reports with regards to the management and operation of the three catholic cemeteries under the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. The three cemeteries are located at the Mile 1 1/2, Tuaran Road, Mile 4 1/2 Old Penampang Road and the Inobong Catholic Cemetery.
Fr Paul Lo, Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Spiritual Director of the Fund were present. He led the members in the opening prayer and prayed for the departed members of the Fund including two committee members and the Administrative Officer who passed away during the term. Mr Michael Chung, Chairman of the Committee briefed members on the progress of works in all the three cemeteries:
Mile 1 1/2, Tuaran Road
Contractor has been appointed to construct fence surrounding the cemetery perimeter to prevent trespassing. Shrubs and rubbish were cleared regularly for the convenience of families to visit the graves of their loved ones. Chairman requested members to inform their families to protect the cemetery from indiscriminate dumping of rubbish.
Mile 4 1/2 Old Penampang Road
The stock of niches is low. Committee will look into extension of the Columbarium. There are several tombs constructed in this cemetery to maximize the land usage. Members who have purchased tomb/niche at this Cemetery are encouraged to re-confirm their purchase by bringing the receipt of payment to SJBF office during office hours.
Inobong Catholic Cemetery
Development of burial ground is now concentrated at this Cemetery. Fifty tombs are available for advance purchase by members at member’s price.
On administration and operation of the Fund, the newly appointed Accounts Clerk and Site Officer were introduced to the members. An Internal Auditor was appointed on pro-bono basis to monitor and audit the accounts of the Fund. The Licensed External Auditor, Viviana & Co was re-appointed at this meeting.
The current membership fee is RM4,000.00 of which RM1,800.00 will be refunded to the family. Currently, registered members are entitled to a bare burial ground or a niche or purchase of constructed tombs at member’s price.
Chairman reminded members to collect the Annual Report from the office during office hours so that they can be updated on the Fund’s financial reports and operation.
