BELAGA – The full operation and official handover of the Belaga District New Mosque has been described as a historic achievement for the Muslim community in this Interior division of Sarawak, emphasising the commitment of state government to ensure that religious facilities are enhanced and that unity is promoted among the various races.
The service which took place on Thursday was conducted by Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, North Kuching City Hall and Islamic Affairs. The event saw some 250 attendees celebrate with tremendous community spirit.
Dr Abdul Rahman said the mosque’s construction was a joint effort involving various parties that were committed to making the proposal, first initiated last year, a reality. The project was completed remotely, and in spite of some delays and bumps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was nothing short of a testament to perseverance.
He stressed the success was due to the concern and attention given by the Sarawak Government, especially under the premiership of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg when it allocated a big sum for adding or enhancing places of worship in the state.
Dr Abdul Rahman also said that mosques in Sarawak should not only be places of worship but facilities for community activities and development as well. He argued that such amenities can be key to improving the lives of would-be citizens, particularly those in the countryside.
The Deputy Minister said Sarawak’s spirit of unity was something to be proud of, and it should be an example for the rest of Malaysia. He attributed the efforts of leaders from other faiths, Datuk Liwan Lagang in particular, to lead a proposal for the construction of a mosque in Belaga. This interreligious exchange is an indication of the harmony and tolerance of Sarawak’s society, he said.
The stunning architecture of New Mosque Belaga District is likely to make it into a landmark in the district. Besides catering for local worshippers, it is expected to draw congregants from outside the area, thus enhancing the cultural inclusivity and peaceful coexistence of the community.
The completion of the mosque is not only interpreted as a boost to religious infrastructure, but also symbolic for Sarawak’s holistic approach to development that doesn’t just focus on spiritual needs, it is sensitive to social progress. For those in Belaga, the new building is both a place of worship and a symbol of unity.
