KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy visit from the Sarawak contingent who emerged victorious at the National Al-Quran Recitation Competition 1447H/2026M. The ceremony took place at the Sarawak State Astana in Petra Jaya on 29 April.
The delegation was headed by Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agency, accompanied by his wife, Datin Hajah Siti Shorgayah binti Ahmad Zaidin.
Senior officials from Islamic institutions also joined the visit, including Dato Haji Ismawi bin Duet, Chief Supervisor of GAQ-MIS; Ustaz Haji Wan Shaifuddin bin Wan Haji Madihi, Deputy Director II of the Sarawak Department of Islamic Religion; Master Haji Mohd Shalahudin bin Marzuki, Chief Executive Officer of Darul Hana Al-Quran Development Centre; Ustaz Helmi bin Dato Haji Nahrawi, Chief Assistant Director of Corporate Communications; and Hajah Zaliha binti Haji Minan, Administrative Officer of the same unit.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the championship trophy by Ustazah Nursyakura binti Mohd Musa, who secured the title of National Qariah Champion.
She was also recognised for achieving the highest overall score in the competition, a distinction that underscored her mastery of tajwid, taranum, fasah and the appreciation of Quranic verses.
The National Al-Quran Recitation Competition is regarded as one of Malaysia’s most prestigious religious events, drawing participants from across the country.
Each year, the competition serves not only to celebrate excellence in Quranic recitation but also to reinforce the importance of Islamic education and the spiritual values embedded in the holy text.
In his remarks, Tun Pehin Sri extended his congratulations to the Sarawak contingent, praising their dedication and success.
He expressed hope that their achievement would inspire further efforts to strengthen Quranic literacy and appreciation among the community.
He emphasised that such accomplishments should act as a catalyst for broader educational initiatives across the state.
The governor and Toh Puan also offered prayers for Ustazah Nursyakura’s continued success, particularly as she prepares to represent Malaysia at the international level later this year.
The global competition is scheduled to take place in October, where she will carry Sarawak’s name onto the world stage.
This visit symbolises the state’s commitment to nurturing religious excellence and supporting the role of the Quran as a guiding principle in daily life.
It also highlights the collaborative efforts of government agencies, religious institutions and community leaders in promoting spiritual growth and character development within Sarawak.
The gathering at Astana reflected the unity of purpose among leaders and institutions in ensuring that the values of the Quran remain central to the lives of Sarawakians.
The recognition of the contingent’s success stands as a testament to the state’s dedication to fostering both religious and cultural achievements.
