BY JACINTHA JOLENE & NURIN PATRA
KUCHING: A RM200-million astronomy centre will be developed in Santubong, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the centre would be equipped with advanced instruments, similar to those already established in Bintulu and Miri.
“I have asked the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) to explore the field of astronomy, and for the benefit of our Muslim children and the wider community, we have approved RM200 million for the construction of this centre in Santubong.
“It will be more sophisticated, and we will collaborate with i-CATS University to bring in experts to teach astronomy,” he said.
Abang Johari made these remarks when officiating at the opening of the Sheikh Othman Sarawak Academic Chair 2025 Conference at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall today.
He further highlighted the importance of ‘wakaf’ (endowment) as an economic instrument to uplift the Muslim community.
Citing philanthropists such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett who donated much of their wealth to charity, he noted that Islam also encourages endowment of wealth for the benefit of society.
“This is why we must strengthen our economy, and through ‘wakaf’, we can add value to assets owned by Muslims.
“Knowledge itself can also be endowed, which is why we established the Sheikh Othman Chair.
“We have allocated RM5 million to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the returns from this are channeled to students for research.
“This is our contribution, and through it, the concept of ‘wakaf’ must be better understood as a means to strengthen the economic wellbeing of Muslims,” he said.
