BINTULU – Sarawak has taken another step forward in advancing astronomy with the official opening of the Bintulu Astronomy Centre at Tanjung Batu today, officiated by His Excellency the Sarawak State Ruler, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and Her Excellency Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi at 10.10 a.m.
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The royal couple was accompanied by YB Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman bin Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs), together with his wife YBhg Datin Siti Shorgayah binti Ahmad Zaidin. They were warmly welcomed by YBhg Datu Haji Misnu bin Haji Taha, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council; Sahibus Samahah YBhg Datu Haji Kipli bin Haji Yassin, Mufti of Sarawak, and senior officials from the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department.
Before the ceremony, Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan toured an exhibition showcasing the astro lab, information on astronomy centres in Sarawak, the Sarawak Mufti Department’s services, and various scientific insights related to astronomy.
The event began with the recitation of Quranic verses, followed by a lecture titled The Influence of Astronomy on Climate Change and Natural Disasters by Dr Mohd Hafiz bin Mohd Saadon from Universiti Malaya. In his remarks, YBhg Datu Haji Kipli thanked His Excellency for his strong support, which he said continues to inspire the Mufti Department to excel in serving the community.
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Representing the Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman also expressed gratitude to the State Ruler for his commitment to the development of Islamic affairs and scientific advancement in the state.
Tun Pehin Sri then officially inaugurated the centre with the recitation of Bismillah, symbolically placing a lens into the telescope. The ceremony included the screening of a special video highlighting the centre’s significance. His Excellency also signed the inauguration plaque and launched the Sarawak Mufti Department’s latest publication, The Influence of Astronomy on Climate Change and Natural Disasters.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Sahibul Fadhilah Dato Haji Mustapha Kamal bin Ahmad Fauzi, Grand Imam of Sarawak.
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Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan praised the Sarawak Government for establishing the centre, describing it as a vital institution that serves not only religious purposes but also as a hub for research, education, and technology in astronomy. They emphasised its potential to position Sarawak as an international leader in the field. — TYT Sarawak
