KUCHING: The Sarawak State Mosque, also known as Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak is set for a transformation with the launch of a new minaret model, officiated by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, on Friday.

The launch took place at the Anjung Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak during the ceremony, themed 'Tracing the Glory of the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS).'

The project, expected to commence in early 2025, will feature four main minarets each 75 meters high, and two smaller minarets each 65 meters high.

These minarets will be based on green energy concepts, equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient lights.

Additionally, at the ceremony, LAKMNS unveiled a book titled "Tracing the Glory." 

The book details the establishment and development of mosques under LAKMNS’s management, including the Kuching City Mosque and the Masjid Jamek, as well as LAKMNS’s progress.

It also highlights LAKMNS’s transformation and achievements since its inception.

Furthermore, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, who attended the event, remarked that the new minaret model of the Masjid Jamek bears resemblance to the famous minarets of the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Turkiye.

"I was excited to see the model as it resembles the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and it's fascinating that each minaret at Hagia Sophia is slightly different from the others.

"One of them is very classic, and two of them are quite modern because the minarets were built at different times, not all at once, " he said. 

Other attendees included Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Islamic Council President, Datu Misnu Taha, LAKMNS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, Kuching North City, Mayor Hilmy Othman, and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews