KUCHING: Standing as a newly revitalised landmark, the Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque has swiftly grown into a vibrant hub for religious learning and community life since its official reopening on March 28.
The newly redeveloped mosque, built to replace an older structure that could only accommodate 500 worshippers, now supports up to 1,500 congregants and is committed to welcoming community-centred programmes for residents in the area.
According to The Borneo Architecture Journal, the mosque’s design combines functionality with a modern aesthetic, offering essential spaces such as a spacious main prayer hall, imam’s room, public address system room, ablution areas for men and women, male and female toilets, a funeral management room, and a tahfiz room for Quranic education.
Following the recent Solat Bootcamp Reunion held at the mosque, the Sarawak Tribune spoke with mosque chairman, Mashap Alek, who shared insights on the mosque’s rapid growth, its expanding programmes, and the impact such initiatives have had on community engagement and spiritual development.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: Since the opening of Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque, how have the activities and initiatives of the mosque committee developed? Could you share some examples of successful programmes?
Mashap: Since its official opening on March 28, following approval from the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), the mosque has developed a variety of activities and initiatives under the guidance of its mosque committee. The first Friday prayer during Ramadan was held on March 29, coinciding with the last Friday of the holy month. Since then, the mosque has carried out numerous programmes, often in collaboration with various organisations.
These include Maghrib and Subuh lectures to enhance religious knowledge, Islamic Greatness programmes such as Maal Hijrah and Maulidur Rasul celebrations, and programmes in partnership with the Sarawak National Malay Association’s (Youth Section).
The mosque has also conducted Jelajahi YaPEIM (Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation) Ar-Rahnu initiatives, organised umrah preparation courses, and collaborated with Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) Kuching Branch, including hosting the Solat Bootcamp on September 28.
Additionally, special Subuh lectures were held with Sheikh Mahmoud Al Wosabi on November 30, further enriching the spiritual and educational engagement of the community. These programmes reflect the mosque’s commitment to community engagement and the promotion of religious education, and they demonstrate the positive impact of partnerships between the mosque and other organisations.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: How is the mosque currently managed in terms of daily operations, volunteer involvement, and administration?
Mashap: The mosque is presently managed by the Mosque Management Committee for the 2023 to 2025 session, which will continue until December 31. The Management Committee for the 2026 to 2029 session will commence on January 1, 2026. The mosque staff consists of Imam I and Imam II, bilal, merbot, as well as assistants for both imam and bilal duties. Merbot tasks are supported by several members of the mosque committee (JKP/AJK). Additionally, there are volunteers who help ensure the safety and security of the mosque’s premises.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What are the mosque’s future plans in terms of physical development (infrastructure) and spiritual programmes for the community?
Mashap: The planning for the mosque’s future programmes and developments will be determined by the 2026 to 2029 Management Committee, which begins its tenure in January 2026. Regarding physical infrastructure, the mosque is a new building and, as of now, the facilities remain in good condition and are still under contract until March 2026.
For community and spiritual programmes, the mosque aims to educate and enhance public understanding of religious practices, particularly in worship and community cohesion. For example, programmes in collaboration with PERKIM, UiTM, as well as Tabung Haji and travel initiatives organised by Tabung Haji, are intended to strengthen the community’s religious knowledge and involvement.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What is your view on the importance of the Solat Bootcamp programme organised by PERKIM Kuching Branch at this mosque and for the wider community? How do programmes like this help encourage congregational participation, spiritual growth, and collaboration with NGOs like PERKIM?
Mashap: The Solat Bootcamp programme organised by PERKIM is an excellent initiative. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to PERKIM for choosing Masjid Darul Furqan, Taman Malihah, as the venue for this programme. This initiative brings numerous benefits to the community, especially for Muslim women, by enhancing their prayer practices, Quran memorisation, and other aspects of worship.
Furthermore, the mosque welcomes any NGO or organisation that wishes to conduct programmes here, provided that the activities bring meaningful benefits to the community. Programmes like the Solat Bootcamp are particularly valuable as they foster both spiritual growth and a sense of togetherness among participants.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: In your opinion, how is the relationship between Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque and India Bandar Kuching Mosque, which is also a partner in mosque activities across Sarawak?
Mashap: To date, the relationship between Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque and India Bandar Kuching Mosque has been very smooth and harmonious, with no issues reported. The mosque remains open and fully committed to collaborating with any organisation that seeks to benefit the community. In fact, this Solat Bootcamp initiative marked the first time that Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque partnered with India Bandar Kuching Mosque.
The collaboration proved highly positive, fostering stronger ties between the two mosques and demonstrating the value of joint initiatives in enhancing spiritual engagement, encouraging congregational participation, and strengthening community cohesion. Such partnerships serve as an important model for future collaborative programmes across Sarawak.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What are your hopes for future collaborative programmes or activities, whether with PERKIM, India Bandar Kuching Mosque, or other mosques in Sarawak?
Mashap: On behalf of Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque, we hope that programmes such as this can be organised on an annual basis, with ongoing improvements and enhancements to the content so that they provide even greater benefits to the community.
I have personally discussed plans for next year’s programme with PERKIM Kuching Branch’s Deputy Chairwoman, Zabariah Matali, and, insya-Allah, it will be implemented successfully. Finally, on behalf of Darul Furqan Taman Malihah Mosque, I would like to sincerely thank PERKIM Kuching for choosing our mosque this year as one of the venues for both the Solat Bootcamp and the Solat Bootcamp Reunion.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to the press for providing coverage of the Bootcamp programme at Masjid Darul Furqan, Taman Malihah, which helps to highlight and share the positive impact of these initiatives with the wider community.
