By Natasha Jee & Amyra Varkisa
SIBU: The Al-Qadim Mosque, one of the state’s oldest mosques, has finally reopened after undergoing restoration work here.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg graced the re-opening of the 160-year-old mosque on yesterday (July 11) evening.
In his speech, he said some had claimed the mosque was built in 1861, 1833 or 1881, but it had previously undergone renovations in 1935, 1950 and 1968.
“We can see that this mosque is one of the oldest and it is a historical building. It has also contributed significantly in the development of Islamic teaching in Sibu,” he said.
He added the mosque founded by Abdul Salam Minangkabau from Indonesia, was built using timber from Song district with its roof made of nipah leaves, and that it put up through a gotong-royong effort with the local Muslim community here at that time.
“Now, the newly repaired and restored mosque not only has an enhanced look but has retained its original design which would attract visitors. When visitors come, they can see personally the development of ‘dakwah’ in Sibu.
“As the oldest mosque in the state, we can say ‘dakwah’ started at the mosque and later spread to most places in the central region including to Mukah,” he said.
The Premier also thanked Nangka assembylman Dr Annuar Rapaee as well as Muslim leaders for doing a good job of restoring the mosque.
Later at the event, Abang Johari handed over a mock cheque for RM30,000 each to Al-Falah Surau, Selagau and Pusat Komuniti Iban Islam Rumah Panjang, Rumah Jalak.
