LABUAN: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah graced the opening of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque in Kampung Sungai Bedaun, here, Friday.
The King arrived at the mosque at 12.15pm and was greeted by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Also present were Senator Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Member of Parliament for Labuan Datuk Suhaili Abd Rahman and Labuan Federal Territory Religious Council (MAIWP) officials.
Almost 1,000 villagers gathered as early as 11.30am to witness the historic opening of the new mosque
Sultan Abdullah then proceeded to the main prayer room to perform the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer before joining the congregation for Friday prayers.
His Majesty is on a three-day visit to this federal territory from Friday until April 2.
The construction of the RM8 million mosque project on a 2.56-hectare land, which was fully funded by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), commenced on March 5, 2019.
The mosque’s prayer hall can accommodate up to 1,500 congregants for prayers at any one time.
Meanwhile, the Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tumku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah spent some time visiting the Ramadan Bazaar at Labuan Walk, Friday.
Their Majesties were welcomed by Labuan Corporation Chief Executive Officer Rithuan Ismail and senior government officials upon arrival at the bazaar at 3.55pm.
The presence of the royal couple brought smiles to traders and visitors at the bazaar.
A local, Junaidi Abdullah, 49, said it was a memorable moment to witness the royal couple mingling with bazaar traders and engaging in conversation.
Mariam Osman, 45, from Kuala Penyu said she was in town to meet friends when she was informed about the King and Queen’s visit and decided to drop by.
“I was here about 3 pm and there was already a huge crowd, and I saw many taking pictures. The King also allowed youngsters to take selfies with him.
“There were many people waiting for an opportunity to take pictures and the King happily obliged,” she said, adding that meeting the royal couple up close was a rare opportunity.
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