KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM95 million to establish its first Islamic international school.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the school will include boarding facilities to further support the intellectual development of Muslim students by integrating religious and scientific education.
“Our goal is to elevate the intellectual development of Muslims, particularly Muslim children, by establishing an Islamic international school.
“The Quran itself commands us to read. This is why we are establishing a school for Muslim children, so that we can fulfil this principle,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the 64th State-Level Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly at Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan last night (Feb 25).

Abang Johari said the project received support from leaders across different faiths, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, stressing that this reflects the state government’s commitment to fairness, as seen through initiatives like the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“That is why the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims here is so strong. Sarawak prospers because of this harmony.
“Alhamdulillah, we also support them based on the principles of ‘maqasid al-syariah’, as outlined in the Quran.
“I hope Sarawak will continue to prosper, our leaders will carry out their duties well, and the people — both Muslims and non-Muslims — will continue to progress and have a bright future,” he added.
In April 2023, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak Islamic International School would be established in collaboration with Madrasah Al-Junied Al-Islamiah, Singapore.
Meanwhile, in September 2024, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi stated that the construction of Sarawak’s first Islamic international school is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.