BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KUCHING: Construction of the second phase of Institut Kemahiran Islam Sarawak – IKMAS (Sarawak Islamic Skills Institute) is expected to be completed in March 2024.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Na’im Mokhtar said the second phase includes the construction of a mosque, academic blocks, dormitories and a library, which can accommodate about 700 to 1,000 students at any one time.
At the moment, construction of the RM33.6 million project has been 64 per cent completed, and Na’im called on the IKMAS management to monitor its progress.
“So far, we have achieved 64 percent (project completion) … the IKMAS director needs to collaborate with the Public Works Department (JKR) and the contractor to ensure the project is completed by 2024 and find the best way to achieve it.
“This is to ensure that the students will have a comfortable and conducive place for learning,” he said in his speech at the 19th IKMAS convocation ceremony held at the Islamic Complex Hall here yesterday (Sept 19).
Following this, he said a new programme, Diploma in Sharia and Falak (Islamic astronomy), would be introduced next year.
He saidIKMAS is also striving to establish smart collaborations with public and private higher education institutions to offer certificate, diploma, and degree programmes to strengthen IKMAS and remain relevant.
“Additionally, theoretical and practical Islamic education programmes have been enhanced with the integration of skills training to produce competitive and multi-skilled students.
“IKMAS’ collaboration with the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) has been strengthened to produce skilled graduates in technical and digital technology fields,” he said.
Such partnerships, he said, would ensure a holistic education model for human capital development in producing knowledgeable, skilled, and competent preachers.
Na’im said this in line with developing a Malaysia Madani as envisioned by the Prime Minister, which also addresses education aspects to enhance the dignity of the people and the nation.
“The education element is given attention to ensure knowledge is a priority, thus creating a highly educated Malaysian society with a culture of knowledge, noble character, and high skills,” he added.
