SARIKEI: Sarawak has released 1,802 kilograms of ashes from damaged Quranic texts into the sea as part of its second ash release programme, following the first event that took place in July 2022.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, alongside Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin and various government agencies, released the ashes from the Tanjung Manis Terminal into the waters off Tanjung Jerijeh in the South China Sea.
The release was conducted with the assistance of the Sarawak Coast Guard on Monday.
Len in a Facebook post said these ashes were collected from various sacred materials that were disposed of through a sanctification process at the Quran Sanctification Centre of Al Muttaqin Mosque, here.
To accommodate increasing demand, he said the Sarikei Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKISRI) has added more furnaces for the disposal of such materials from mosques, surau, and individuals.
“The Muslim community in the central region, including Saratok, Kabong, Nyabor, Kapit, Sibu, Sri Aman, and Mukah, is encouraged to submit damaged Quranic texts through the Secretariat or the State Islamic Religious Council for disposal in accordance with Islamic law.
“As the Chairman of LAKISRI, I would like to express my appreciation to all parties involved, including the Sarawak State Mufti’s Office, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Sarawak Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Police, Sarawak Maritime Enforcement Agency, Tanjung Manis Port Authority, Bintulu Islamic Welfare Trust Board, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Department of Environment,” he said.
On the same note, Len stressed that proper disposal of Quranic texts is crucial to maintaining the sanctity and respect of the Holy Quran.
This process, he added, ensures that unusable materials are not discarded carelessly, preventing any desecration or misuse.
It also complies with the requirements of Islamic law, which mandates the correct disposal of sacred materials.
