SERIAN (Jan 23): The 65th Sarawak-level Majlis Tilawah dan Hafazan Al-Quran will be held from Feb 4 to 7 at the Serian Conference Centre (SCC) here, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

Speaking during a press conference at the Serian Division Resident’s Office on Wednesday, he said the opening ceremony on Feb 4 is expected to be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, while the closing and prize presentation ceremony on Feb 7 will be graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Dr Abdul Rahman said the annual event aims to strengthen Muslims’ love for the Al-Quran, while nurturing more capable qari, qariah, hafiz and hafizah in Sarawak through healthy competition.

“The Al-Quran is a comprehensive guide that encompasses all aspects of human life.
“This programme also forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen faith, piety and noble values within the community,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rahman added that the theme for this year’s event is ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’.

A total of 43 participants will compete, comprising male and female qari and qariah as well as male and female hafazan contestants.

He said several accompanying programmes have been lined up in conjunction with the programme, including a judges’ workshop from Jan 12 to 15, a Tahsin Qiraat Al-Quran course on Jan 27, Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam on Feb 1.

Other programmes include a reinforcement course for state-level MTQ participants from Feb 2 to 3, a Quran quiz and exhibition from Feb 4 to 7, a seminar for new converts on Feb 7, as well as a Bicara Ramadan dan Al-Quran programme on Feb 13 and 14.

Also present were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Majlis Islam Sarawak president Datu Misnu Taha, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director Mu’al Suaud and Serian Division Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph.