Abang Johari (fourth left), flanked by Dr Zulkifli (third left) and Dr Abdul Rahman, and other dignitaries pose for a group photo during the courtesy call at Satria Pertiwi Complex on April 20, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 20: Sarawak is expected to host the national-level Tilawah and Hafazan Al-Quran next year with the programme to be jointly organised by the federal government and the State government.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the hosting arrangement would involve coordination between both levels of government.

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“Responsibilities for organising the event would be shared with certain components managed by Sarawak and others handled by the federal government.

“The arrangement requires the consent of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said this after paying a courtesy call on the Premier at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya today.

The visit was his first official working trip to Sarawak since being appointed minister on Dec 16, 2025.

Discussions also touched on strengthening cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments in matters related to Islamic affairs.

Zulkifli noted that existing cooperation already covers areas such as the management of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), Islamic outreach programmes and Islamic education.

He added that Sarawak hosts several Islamic institutions including the Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) and the Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia (ILIM) which has been operating since the 1980s.

Also present during the courtesy call were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) president Datuk Misnu Taha. — DayakDaily