Azlan Othman
Residents in RPN Kampong Meragang will soon have a new mosque in their area. The BND4.3-million mosque is being built at an 8.159 acre site using budget allocated under the National Development Plan.
When completed in 2023, the mosque will be able to accommodate 2,200 congregants. The new mosque facilities will include restrooms for people with different abilities (OKU).
The foundation-laying for the new mosque was held in the presence of Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar yesterday.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the call for prayer, recitation of Ayatul Kursi, Selawat and Zikir to lay a foundation stone led by Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Supervisor Zulkifli bin Haji Murat.
The ministers later led the foundation laying, followed by other guests.
Members of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council comprising Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, Deputy State Mufti Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin and Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman attended.
Permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Development, directors, senior government personnel and village residents were also present.
