KUCHING: Kuching City will be the focal point for Muslims during the state-level Maulidur Rasul Celebration for 1447 Hijrah/2025, which will be held from Sept 4 to 6, featuring a variety of religious and community programmes.
Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) president Datuk Misnu Taha said this year’s celebration carries the theme “Sarawak Maju Makmur”, with two main events: the Thanksgiving Ceremony and the Maulidur Rasul Gathering and Grand Procession.
“The Thanksgiving Ceremony will be held on Sept 4 at Masjid Jamek Kuching, while the major gathering and procession are scheduled for Sept 6 at Padang Merdeka here.
“Initially, the procession was set for Sept 5 (Friday), but out of respect for Friday prayers, it has been moved to Sept 6 (Saturday),” he said at a press conference at the MIS Office here on Friday (Aug 29).
According to Misnu, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg are expected to attend along with thousands of Muslims to enliven the event.
So far, the organisers have received entries from 180 contingents involving more than 8,000 participants, with registration still open until Saturday (Aug 30).
“The contingents joining the event come from various categories including government departments, statutory bodies, uniformed organisations, mosques and surau, higher learning institutions, schools, as well as community associations.”
He added that the target is 200 contingents, which will be divided into two routes: the village route covering 3.2km and the city route covering 3.04km.
“The Head of State and the Premier themselves will lead the procession, and if they do not complete the full route, they will stop at the Waterfront Hotel, which has been designated as the transit point.”
According to the schedule, contingents are expected to arrive as early as 6.30am, followed by the arrival of dignitaries at 7.30am, the Sarawak Premier at 7.55am, and the Head of State at exactly 8am.
The event will also feature Quran recitations, nasyid performances, and a special address by Wan Junaidi before the procession begins.
To further enliven the celebration, a banner competition will be held, offering prizes worth tens of thousands of ringgit.
“The champion will receive RM7,000, the runner-up RM5,000, third place RM3,000, fourth place RM1,000, and fifth place RM500. We also provide consolation prizes as well as a special prize of RM1,000 for the contingent with the largest number of participants.”
Photo: Ghazali Bujang
Apart from the main events in Kuching, Misnu said the celebration will also be highlighted with various accompanying activities across the state.
“Among other programmes are the Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam on Sept 3 at Surau Darul Falah, Kampung Semariang Phase 3; Maulidur Rasul quiz, Virtual Reality (VR) Sirah Nabi simulation, and Wakaf Ilmu counters from Sept 5 to 7 at the Plaza Merdeka shopping mall.
“In addition, the Forum Hal Ehwal Islam (FORHEIS) will be held on Sept 19 at Masjid Darul Iman, Bau, as well as in other locations, including Gedong, Telaga Air, Belaga, Tekajong, Saratok, Debak, and Lawas.
“Furthermore, Maulidur Rasul talks and forums will also take place at mosques and surau in every division throughout the celebration, while a village outreach program with new Muslim communities is scheduled in Kapit on Sept 18 and 19.”
