By ABANG FARID ABANG TAHA
KUCHING: Masjid India Bandar Kuching which is literally on Sungai Sarawak at Jalan Gambier will be officially opened on March 1 by the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Formerly known as Masjid India, the mosque is more modern and has innovative features.
A part of an initiative to develop the waterfront, the new RM10.6-million is the result of efforts of the state government, non-governmental associations and donations from citizens.
The architecture and design of the mosque is Turkish and Middle-Eastern in concept.
The design and planning of the mosque started in May 2016 by project consultant architect Sim Odita Muhammad (SOM).
After the launch of the new mosque, the old Masjid India will serve as a Madrasah (Arabic for Education Institute) and a place for acquiring religious knowledge.
“The old mosque will be for students and a place of gathering for the teaching of Islam. I think it will still be useful as it is also a heritage site for more than 186 years,” said mosque committee member Halil Rahman.
“Definitely in the future, there will be more programmes. We will carry out more training and learning of the scriptures. The platform will be divided into two categories as there are many members with different ages and backgrounds.”
Masjid India committee chair Dr S Shajahan, when asked about the impact of the new mosque on tourism in the city, said, “This new mosque is for everyone to see as the waterfront is a tourist attraction. It is quite unique as the dome is covered with tiles and turquoise. With around 181 pillars supporting it from below, it can accommodate 1,600 people at one time.
“I went to Putrajaya to study one of the mosques there. Many tourists have come to see it. Our waterfront area is an attraction too, so I am sure that the mosque is a new attraction.”
Following a recent announcement on its official opening, the new mosque has gained positive feedback from the people of Sarawak.
The great response can be viewed on Facebook page “KamekMiakSarawak”. Even responses from non-Muslims are also encouraging.
