KUCHING: Internet Radio Islamic Sarawak (IRIS) is urged to expand its reach globally through multilingual broadcasting, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
Speaking at IRIS’ fifth-year appreciation ceremony at the Baitulmakmur II building today, he proposed that in addition to Bahasa Malaysia, the platform include English, Mandarin and other languages to make Islamic content more accessible to audiences worldwide.
“IRIS’s achievements today are not only at the local level but also worldwide.
“In the UK, America and Australia, people want to know about Islamic activities in Sarawak. If there is English-language content, they can understand it without needing translation apps,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman noted that multilingual programming would not only cater to international listeners but also strengthen Sarawak’s digital dakwah agenda, ensuring that the state’s Islamic initiatives are communicated effectively across borders.
He also urged IRIS to continue producing fresh, creative, and relevant content, while expanding strategic collaborations with government agencies, private sector players, and NGOs to improve technological capacity and increase outreach.
The Deputy Minister commended Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid Negeri Sarawak (LAKMNS) for its commitment to managing mosque institutions and Islamic programmes, and for embracing modern approaches through platforms such as IRIS.
Special recognition was given to Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap, for transforming LAKMNS into a professional and progressive corporate body.
Dr Abdul Rahman highlighted that digital technology and artificial intelligence have fundamentally changed how information is accessed and shared, making platforms like IRIS increasingly vital.
“Digital technology today is no longer an option, but a necessity,” he said, while thanking listeners, staff, agencies, and all supporters who have contributed to IRIS’s growth over the past five years.
