RM38.65 Million Allocated For Proposed Perak State Observatory In Manjung

IPOH, June 11 (Bernama) -- A total of RM38.65 million has been allocated for the proposed construction of the Perak State Observatory at Pantai Pasir Panjang, Manjung, which will become the state's official Islamic astronomy (falak) observation center, thereby strengthening the development of falak and astronomy in Perak.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the development of the facility was proposed during the Perak State Observatory Construction Incentive Workshop held from May 19 to 20.

The workshop involved the Perak State Mufti Department, the Public Works Department (JKR), the State Finance Office, and the Perak State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).

“The construction of the Perak State Observatory in the Pantai Pasir Panjang area, Segari, Manjung, will span an area of approximately 94 hectares. This area is among the locations scrutinised as it is already linked to the state's official crescent moon observation activities.

“The existence of a facility like this shows that Islamic astronomy should not be left on the fringes of public interest or confined strictly to seminar rooms. It needs to reach schools, universities, mosques, surau, youth communities, and families using simple language, engaging approaches, and impactful experiences,” he said.

He said this when met after officiating the Launch of the Perak State-Level Falak Month for the Year 1448H/2026 at the Impiana Hotel, here today.

Saarani added that the establishment of the Perak State Observatory will not affect the function of the Tan Sri Harussani Observatory at the National Land and Survey Institute (INSTUN) in Behrang but rather will complement the ecosystem of falak and astronomy facilities in the state.

“The existing observatory will continue to function just as it did before. The creation of the new observatory at Pantai Pasir Panjang will simply further complete the falak facilities in this state without affecting the role of the existing one,” he said.

Commenting on the programme, he said that the organising of Falak Month should be expanded and not limited to a seasonal event, as it needs to serve as a platform to open the public's eyes to the importance of this knowledge in daily life.

“At present, there is still a perception that Islamic astronomy only involves religious officers or technical experts, while some of the younger generation view it as a difficult field because it involves calculations, specialised terms, and observation methods.

“Therefore, by organising programmes like this, it will provide the knowledge that falak is close to daily life, crucial in worship, and beneficial to the intellectual development of the community,” he added.

-- BERNAMA