Sarawak hosts the Qur'an Extension of Borneo City 2026

KUCHING, Oct 14: Sarawak will make history as the host of the 2026 Se-Borneo City Qur'an Extension Council which brings together 32 participants from nine major cities and provinces in Borneo on October 26 to 29.

Deputy Minister in Sarawak's Premier Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the visit involved participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam as well as five provinces in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

"The visit aims to strengthen the Islamic Brotherhood, direct the recitation of the Qur'an and strengthen ties between Muslim communities across provinces and countries in Borneo", he said.

He said this at a press conference preparing for the Borneo City Qur'an Preaching Council here today.

Themed 'Ummah Maju Makmur', the event featured 17 participants in a broad category, consisting of nine qari and eight qariah, while the 15 juzuk hafazan category included 15 participants namely eight hafiz and seven hazzah.

Sarawak as host will be represented by two cities, Kuching and Miri, while other participants include Kota Kinabalu, Bandar Seri Begawan, Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Palangka Raya and Tanjung Selor.

"The Sarawak Islamic Complex will be the main venue for the competition, while some side programs will take place in Central Court, Majma Building and auditorium of Islamic Information Centre.

"Among the programs organized are the Speech of Se-Borneo Scientists on October 26, an exhibition of Islamic history and calligraphy, a khat demonstration as well as a Quranic quiz to expand the space for education and knowledge sharing to the public", he said.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to be completed by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on October 27, while the award and postponement ceremony on October 29 will be completed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Sarawak State.

The public will also have the opportunity to attend selected events via TVS, UKAS and related agency digital platforms, thus enabling communities outside Kuching to follow up on the development of the programme. -TVS