By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 17: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today officiated the new Al-Azim Mosque in Debak, Betong, a RM12 million mosque completed to serve the growing Muslim community in the Saribas area.
During the ceremony, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the Premier announced the mosque’s official name — Al-Azim, which means “The Most Great” or “The Magnificent”, an attribute of Allah SWT from the Asma’ul Husna that reflects divine greatness and the humility of mankind before the Creator.
The name was chosen to symbolise reverence and spirituality, with mosques bearing the name Al-Azim often associated with dignified architecture intended to inspire reflection and devotion among worshippers.
According to a video montage played during the ceremony, the new mosque is located in the sub-district of Debak, which has a population of over 16,000 people, with more than 6,000 Muslims in the Saribas area expected to benefit from the facility.
The project was initiated by Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development II (Community Wellbeing Development) and Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam and supported by the Sarawak government under the Sarawak Development Allocation Fund (SDAF), with a total cost of RM12 million.
Construction of the mosque began on Dec 20, 2023 and was completed on Nov 25, 2025. Built on a 2.98-acre site, the mosque has a capacity of 815 worshippers.
The official opening ceremony was held in conjunction with Friday prayers and attracted about 1,200 attendees, including worshippers, community leaders and invited guests.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti Datu Khalidi Ibrahim, and Acting Betong Resident Muhammad Nizam Wang. — DayakDaily
