PUTATAN: The Sabah Indian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPIMS) hopes to build its first Masjid India Muslim Kota Kinabalu, Sabah once its development plan is approved by the local authorities.
The mosque would be a three-storey building covering 18,000 sq ft on private land bought by the Chamber for RM2.3 million. The building is expected to cost RM8 million, including the cost of land.
DPPIMS Advisor Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar said the Chamber has been actively working to realise its dream since 2021.
He said every state in the country, including Labuan and Sarawak, has its own Masjid India Muslim except Sabah.
He said the mosque is expected to become a significant landmark for the Indian Muslim community in Sabah.
“The proposed location is at Kg Muhibbah along the highway, which is considered strategic as there are currently no mosques along the stretch from Kinarut to Tanjung Aru.
“The presence of this mosque is to strengthen Islamic teachings and encourage more local residents to participate in religious programmes.
“It will be open not only to the Indian Muslim community but all Muslims who wish to perform prayer obligations and attend religious activities,” he told Daily Express.
“The basement will be for car parks and a hall while second floor is for the prayer hall and third floor would house a Madrasah Al-Hidayah (Islamic school) and administration office,” he said.
DPPIMS’s application to seek the development approval has garnered attention from the relevant authorities, including Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is Putatan Member of Parliament.
He said DPPIMS thanked Shahelmey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and State Works Minister, for the support and cooperation.
Shahelmey said several technical requirements had to be met as this involves safety measures besides necessary conditions outlined by the Government and relevant agencies.
“I will ensure that these requirements are fulfilled so that there will be no issues when the construction begins.
“It is our hope that the construction can be realised within this year,” he said, adding there are about 100 Indian Musiim families comprising 500 people living in Putatan.