S’wak Premier inaugurates architectural model of proposed new Masjid Jamek

KUCHING (July 26): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has inaugurated the architectural model of the proposed new Masjid Jamek after performing Friday prayers here today.

The construction project, which is expected to start early next year, would involve the erection of four 75-metre main towers and two 65-metre towers.

In a statement from the Information Department, the towers would come with green energy concept as they would be equipped with solar panels and low energy lights.

According to the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS), the process of dismantling the existing towers started in April this year, and is expected to be completed this November.

The current Masjid Jamek was built in 1987, inaugurated by the then Head of State, the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, and can accommodate about 14,000 members of congregation at any one time.

Meanwhile, during the inauguration event, LAKMNS also launched the ‘Menelusuri Kegemilangan’ book, which is about the establishment and development of the mosque under the board’s management.

The book also contains information about the transformation of LAKMNS as well as its achievements since its establishment in 1958 under the name ‘Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Kuching Masjid Jamek’ before a change of name in 1981.

Among those present were Deputy Premier and LAKMNS deputy chairman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; State Secretary and LAKMNS board member, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; LAKMNS secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Sarawak Islamic Council chairman Datu Misnu Taha; and LAKMNS chief executive officer Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai.