SEOUL, South Korea: Renovation work on the new headquarters of the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) in Kuching is expected to be completed soon, with operations scheduled to begin in January next year.
RISEAP’s newly appointed deputy president, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the building – a 90-year-old structure located along Jalan Budaya – has been undergoing renovation for the past eight months and will soon serve as the organisation’s central hub.
“The Sarawak government has provided an old building, over 90 years old, located at Jalan Budaya, which has been under renovation.
“It will be ready by January next year and will serve as RISEAP’s headquarters in Kuching,” said Dr Abdul Rahman in an interview with the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and TVS recently.
He added that once completed, all RISEAP activities will be conducted at the new headquarters. A distinctive feature of the site will be 24 flagpoles representing the 24 RISEAP member countries, making it an additional attraction for visitors and the local community.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who also serves as Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall, and Islamic Affairs), was appointed as RISEAP deputy president during the council’s 36th Executive Committee Meeting held in Seoul, South Korea.
He expressed his gratitude to the Premier and RISEAP President, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for entrusting him with the role.
“I will perform my duties to the best of my ability, assisting the Premier as RISEAP president together with the vice-presidents and executive committee members,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman said RISEAP, which comprises 24 member countries, plays a vital role in supporting Muslim communities across the region.
He added that Sarawak has also contributed through initiatives such as the establishment of Baitulmal Funds in New Zealand and Hong Kong.
He will serve as deputy president until the RISEAP General Assembly scheduled for mid-2026, following the resignation of the previous deputy president, Ridzuan Wu from Singapore, due to health reasons.
