KUCHING: The Maal Hijrah Festival 1447H/2025, organised by the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS), will take place over 10 days from June 20 to 29, making it the longest-running edition since its inception.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai, said this year’s festival has been expanded from previous editions, which typically lasted only three days, due to overwhelming public response.
“On average, daily attendance can reach up to 3,000 visitors, and with this extended edition, we are targeting a total turnout of approximately 30,000 visitors,” he said at a press conference here Tuesday (May 20).
“This festival is also one of LAKMNS’ dynamic approaches to engage with the community, aiming to position the mosque not just as a place of worship but also as a hub for various general acts of devotion in line with shariah principles.
“As an Islamic trust body, it is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of Muslims in all aspects of worship, education, social, economic, health, and other factors that contribute to the overall welfare of the ummah,” he added.
The festival will be held at the Sarawak State Jamek Mosque, featuring more than 30 programmes and activities covering spiritual elements, competitions, exhibitions, recreation and commercial events.
Key highlights include the Women’s Intellectual Talk Forum (BIWANI), the “Malam Cinta Rasul” (Night of Loving the Prophet), and various inter-mosque and surau competitions such as badminton, bowling, pickleball, silat, berzanji/marhaban recitals and street soccer.
There will also be a “Jualan Rahmah”, scheduled for June 28 and 29, in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
“The closing ceremony of the festival will be held on June 29 and is expected to be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“The final day will also feature a lucky draw with attractive prizes, including two umrah packages, a motorcycle, a massage chair, a 60-inch television, and many other exciting gifts,” he said.
Earlier, he also unveiled the new interface of the festival’s official portal https://fmhlakmns.com/, which was developed internally by LAKMNS’s Project and Technology Management Division to provide easier access to information for the public.
This year’s festival is supported and sponsored by various entities, namely, the Sarawak Islamic Council, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), JAKIM, and KPDN. The main sponsors are Lubuk Tiara Sdn Bhd (Aurora), Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), and Sarawak Plantation Bhd (Diamond), as well as Senari Synergy Sdn Bhd and BMASJ Timber Sdn Bhd (Platinum).
Official media partners for the festival are Suara Sarawak and Internet Radio Islamic Sarawak (IRIS), which will assist with coverage and publicity throughout the festival.
