MELAKA: Zakaria Yahya, a 57-year-old teacher with visual impairments, is committed to using his disability to innovate and enhance the use of Braille Quran for people like him.
The recipient of the Special Citizen Award, the Abdullah Bin Ummi Maktum Award, during the Maal Hijrah celebration in Melaka, described this recognition as meaningful and motivates him to keep giving back to the community.
Currently serving at Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Setapak, Zakaria is also a member of a research team that is rewriting the Braille Quran to resemble the Uthmani script, following the set guidelines.
“We are in the phase of educating users of Braille Quran, both at the school level and among the general public.
“In addition, we believe that the Braille Quran available in Malaysia is nearly equivalent to the Uthmani script used by those who are not blind and can be promoted at the international level,” he told reporters last night.
Earlier, he received a cash prize of RM3,000, a commemorative medal and a certificate presented by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at the Maal Hijrah celebration held at Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong.
Former rector of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka Prof Datuk Dr Mizan Hitam was named the recipient of the Abu Bakar As-Sidiq Award (Maal Hijrah Figure) and took home a cash prize of RM10,000, along with a medal, sash and certificate.
Indonesian preacher Ustaz Abdul Somad was awarded the Murabbi Nusantara Award, introduced for the first time by the Melaka government, while 12 individuals received the Maal Hijrah award in various categories. – Bernama
