KUCHING – The long-anticipated construction of the Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab Mosque, located within the grounds of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab, is expected to commence soon, following the completion of design works and funding allocation.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Dato’ Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya, who also chairs the Mosque Construction Committee, announced that a five-acre plot within the school compound has been earmarked for the mosque. The site, strategically situated beside the main road and near a rapidly expanding residential area, is poised to serve both the school and surrounding community.
He revealed that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg had approved RM10 million for the mosque’s construction. In addition, a further RM13 million was allocated for the future development of the Darul Huffaz complex and an astronomy tower, which will be built adjacent to the mosque.
“To date, we have secured a total allocation of RM11.1 million — RM10 million from the Sarawak Premier and RM1.17 million collected through public wakaf contributions,” Dr Juanda stated during a press conference following his courtesy visit to the Sarawak Premier at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Monday.
Construction of the mosque will begin under Phase One, while the Darul Huffaz complex and astronomy tower are scheduled for Phase Two, set for implementation next year. This development initiative coincides with the upcoming Golden Jubilee of SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab, scheduled for celebration next year.
In a separate announcement, Dr Juanda also extended an official invitation to the Sarawak Premier to officiate the Borneo International Integrity Summit (BIIS) 2025, slated for 29 to 30 July at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The summit, which will be hosted in Sarawak for the first time, aims to bring together over 1,000 university students and youth representatives from across Borneo — including Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Kalimantan, and the Philippines — to promote values such as integrity, anti-corruption, and good governance.
“Unlike typical seminars, this summit will offer direct dialogues among participants, focusing on fostering transparent and accountable leadership from the university level,” he added.
