KUCHING, Jan 19: The Sarawak government has unveiled plans to upgrade the Sarawak State Mosque, also known as Masjid Jamek Sarawak, with proposed construction of six minarets inspired by the architectural features of the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, renowned as the world’s second holiest and largest mosque.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg did not disclose the cost but highlighted Masjid Jamek’s strategic location in Petra Jaya, at the heart of the Sarawak government’s administrative centre.
“Our mosque in Petra Jaya is in the heart of the State government’s administration. I want to build six minarets on our mosque, replicating the Prophet’s Mosque within a reasonable cost, as long as our resources allow us to do so,” he said.
Abang Johari revealed this in his speech during the Wacana Perdana dialogue with Sarawak Islamic agencies last night (Jan 18), as reported by TVS and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
He emphasised that the initiative aims to foster an environment conducive to deepening religious knowledge among Muslims in Sarawak and aligning with holistic human development principles outlined in the Quran.
Constructed since 1990, the Sarawak State Mosque is classified as a special-grade mosque with a capacity to accommodate over 10,000 worshippers simultaneously.
In addition to the mosque’s enhancement, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government, through the Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC), will continue to implement various programmes and infrastructure developments for the Muslim community.
These include the Ibnu Khaldun Gallery, the Regional Mosque Smart and Strategic Network Centre (MNC) and the Falak Centre.
Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Finance Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and SIC chairman Datuk Misnu Taha were among those present. — DayakDaily
