SAMARAHAN: Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the ‘Iftar Perdana UNIMAS 2026’ event held at the Pusat Islam Tun Abang Salahuddin at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on Thursday (March 12).
During the event, Wan Junaidi, who is also UNIMAS chancellor, presented contributions of RM2,000 each to 10 mosques and surau in and around Kota Samarahan.
Among the recipients were Masjid Darul Ehsan in Kampung Beliong Asajaya, Masjid Darul Abidin in Kampung Tanjung Bako, Surau Darul Hidayah in Kampung Plaie, Surau Darur Rahman in RPR Batu Kawa Fasa 4, Surau Nur Iman in RPR Taman Sri Permai Landeh and Surau Darul Taqwa in Kampung Bintawa Ulu.
The ceremony was enlivened with Quran recitation and a qasidah performance by the Ahbab El-Habeeb group, followed by congregational Maghrib, Isyak and Tarawih prayers.
In his welcoming speech, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, said the annual programme serves as a platform to strengthen bonds among the university community and surrounding residents during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This ‘Iftar Perdana’ programme brings together the UNIMAS community and the surrounding community, including village heads and representatives of mosques and surau around Kota Samarahan,” he added.
He said that the initiative also reflects UNIMAS’ role as a community-driven university, ensuring that its presence benefits society beyond academic activities.
“UNIMAS is not only focused on teaching and learning, but also strives to ensure that its contributions are felt by the community in Sarawak and beyond,” he stressed.
Ahmad Hata noted that the university, now in its 33rd year, continues to strengthen its role in community engagement while embracing digital transformation to support future sustainability and excellence.
He also highlighted that the Islamic centre regularly organises various Ramadan programmes such as daily iftar, religious talks, Quran recitation sessions, Tarawih prayers and qiamullail.
According to him, the spirit of Ramadan also encourages the university community to view their responsibilities as a form of service and devotion.
“Teaching knowledge to students and guiding their welfare are also forms of ibadah,” he said.
