KUCHING: A growing demand for Islamic primary education has prompted the opening of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) Primary Religious School No. 2 Kuching, which will be officially launched this Friday by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agency Projects, DBKU & Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the new school represents a significant expansion of Sarawak’s network of Islamic education institutions.
“Every year we receive far more applications than available places,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) Primary Religious School No. 2 Kuching at MIS office, Majma Mall here.
“For 2025 alone, 775 children applied for Year 1 at Sekolah Kebangsaan Agama Datuk Haji Abdul Kadir Hassan, and another 196 applied to Sekolah Kebangsaan Agama Ibnu Khaldun in Samarahan.
“This second MIS school in Kuching ensures more Muslim children can begin their formal religious studies at the primary level,” he said.
He added that Abang Johari is expected to deliver a keynote address and officially proclaim the school’s name during the 3 pm ceremony at its campus along Lebuhraya Haji Adenan Satem.
Also present at the media briefing was Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, who welcomed the state’s commitment to expanding Islamic education.
Although the official launch is this week, SRA MIS No. 2 Kuching has already been operating since February with an inaugural cohort of 160 Year 1 pupils spread across six classes.
Dr Abdul Rahman described the new facility as a “timely response” to parents’ concerns about limited places at existing Islamic schools, adding that it underscores the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen religious education while meeting community needs.
