New Changlun Mosque Begins Operations, Residents Express Gratitude To Prime Minister

JITRA, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Ihya ‘Ulumuddin Mosque, or Changlun Mosque in Changlun, near here, began full operations today, much to the delight of residents who had long awaited a spacious and comfortable place of worship.

The delayed construction of the new mosque, which replaces the old one, was revived after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional allocation of RM3.07 million in 2023, bringing the total cost to RM5.77 million.

Ihya ‘Ulumuddin Mosque deputy chairman Zainol Abidin Mohamad said the mosque, completed early this year, could only be opened to the public after infrastructure improvements were carried out and approval obtained from the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department.

“Today’s Friday prayer is our first at the new mosque. The kariah members in Changlun have waited a long time for this moment, as the project was once left abandoned.

“Then, the Prime Minister approved an allocation for us to complete the project, and today, Alhamdulillah, a beautiful mosque has been completed for the comfort of the congregation,” he said when met after Friday prayers at the mosque today.

However, Zainol Abidin said several other facilities still needed improvement for the comfort of the congregation, including the installation of air-conditioning units and the construction of a hall and larger car park.

He said the mosque committee would bring the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister to seek additional allocations to further optimise the functions of the mosque.

“We are thankful to the Prime Minister and happy with the completion of this mosque. He has shown great concern by providing the allocation needed to complete it after residents here had waited for a long time,” he said.

Imam 1 of the Ihya ‘Ulumuddin Mosque Hasrul Hasan said the new mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, compared with about 600 at the old mosque, allowing more people to perform their prayers comfortably.

He said the old mosque, located about 500 metres from the new one, would stay open to serve the needs of residents and travellers who often use the facilities there.

“The old mosque is still operating for obligatory prayers, while Friday prayers and all religious programmes are now held solely at the new mosque,” he said.

For congregant Muhamad Nur Amirul Nur Asmadi, 23, from Kampung Padang Halban, the new mosque is more spacious and well-equipped, providing greater comfort for worshippers.

He added that the new mosque is situated in a safer location, unlike the old mosque near the main road, which often caused traffic congestion and posed safety risks for worshippers.

“We are thankful to the government for providing allocations to complete this mosque. We are especially grateful as the new mosque is more comfortable, particularly for elderly worshippers,” he said.

--BERNAMA