Latest news with #HariRaya
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Islamic Centre 66% completed, targets December opening
Walter and architect Dr Meor Zawari Hassan (left) presenting the design and finishes for the Sandakan Islamic Centre's main prayer hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 24): The Sandakan Islamic Centre project, now 66% complete, is expected to be fully finished by the end of December this year. Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson stated that the council is committed to completing this modern complex — inspired by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman — by year-end, making it ready for use during next year's Hari Raya prayers. 'We are scheduling completion by the end of this year, ideally before year-end, so it can be fully operational for next year's Hari Raya. Our primary target is for the Sandakan Islamic Centre to be inaugurated and fully functional by Hari Raya 2026,' he explained. Walter added that the centre will feature designs, motifs and finishes from Uzbekistan, adapted to incorporate Sabah's local motifs. 'Progress has been very positive thus far, which is why we sought approval from His Excellency Tun Musa Aman for specific motifs, designs and finishes. Tun requested the incorporation of certain elements in key sections of the centre — particularly the prayer area, main hall and VIP waiting area — blending Uzbek designs with local Sabah motifs and styles,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. Meanwhile, Tun Musa expressed profound satisfaction in a statement on Thursday over the encouraging progress of the Sandakan Islamic Centre, which will become a significant landmark for Islamic development in Sabah's east coast. He noted that the project will not only serve as a centre for worship and education but also foster unity among Sabah's multiethnic and multireligious communities through inclusive and harmonious outreach. 'I extend my appreciation to all involved, especially the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) and the state government, for their commitment to community development and societal well-being. May the Sandakan Islamic Centre become a symbol of spiritual progress and unity in Sabah,' the statement read. Construction of the RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre began in 2017 on a 5.2-hectare site at Jalan Sungai Kayu, Sandakan, but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability in Sabah. Upon completion, the facility will include a kindergarten, tahfiz centre, administrative offices for JHEAINS, MUIS (Sabah Islamic Religious Council), and Baitulmal (Islamic Treasury), a multipurpose hall, and a prayer hall accommodating over 1,000 worshippers.
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Pulau Aur Residents Appeal For Boat Fare Subsidy
MERSING, July 24 (Bernama) -- Residents of Pulau Aur are calling on the Johor government to introduce a boat fare subsidy to ease travel costs, especially for medical needs and family visits. Currently, a return trip to the mainland costs up to RM210 per person, a heavy burden for many in the B40 income group, according to housewife Hatasa Rabudin, 40. 'I rarely visit my parents in Kampung Teluk Berhala because the boat fare alone is RM105 one way,' she said during a media visit to the island recently. She recalled pooling RM7,000 with relatives in 2018 to charter a ferry home for Hari Raya, adding that her chronically ill father also has to travel twice a month to Mersing for treatment. 'There's a village clinic on the island, but more serious cases need referral to the mainland,' she said, urging the state to consider a subsidy similar to Pahang's initiative for Pulau Tioman residents. Long-time Mersing resident Masli Sulaiman, 56, added that deteriorating infrastructure has made boat travel the only option even between nearby villages. 'There used to be a land route to the jetty, but now it's overgrown and the main bridge is damaged. A subsidy would help in emergencies and allow more frequent visits to elderly relatives,' she said. Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Sabinah Md Seth said most locals are fishermen or small-scale farmers without stable income and even a partial subsidy would ease their burden. Located 76 kilometres from the mainland, Pulau Aur is a popular ecotourism destination and a strategic route for local and international fishing vessels. From July 18–20, 50 Johor Corporation (JCorp) volunteers and six media representatives took part in a coral reef rehabilitation programme on the island.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's 733 malls, retail centres face margin squeeze as costs outpace revenue
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's estimated 733 shopping malls, hypermarkets, supermarkets and market centres are under mounting pressure from rising operating costs and tightening regulations. Findings by the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association's (PPK Malaysia) latest shopping mall industry survey show a widening gap between operating expenses and revenue. The average costs now 27 per cent higher than service and promotional charges collected, up significantly from 13.4 per cent in 2022. The rising cost burden is driven by electricity tariff hikes, increased licensing and compliance fees, and the upcoming Sales and Services Tax (SST) expansion, which now includes rental, leasing and renovation services. Although SST on rental is levied on tenants, PPK Malaysia warns it will reduce rental affordability and compress landlord margins, especially as many mall operators are already subsidising operational expenses. PPK Malaysia urged the government to address these challenges in 2026 Budget, particularly around SST and escalating costs, which are threatening the sustainability and competitiveness of the retail property sector. The association stressed the sector's economic importance, noting that shopping malls directly employ 50,000 to 60,000 people in operations and management. When including retail tenants, contractors and outsourced service providers, the industry supports over one million jobs nationwide. Despite headwinds, the industry remains resilient, though growth has softened from pre-2024 levels, it said. The report noted that today's consumers seek more than just shopping - they're drawn to experiential elements, diverse F&B options, entertainment and sustainability-driven features, pushing malls to innovate and enhance their offerings. According to the Malaysia Retail Industry Report for June 2025 by Retail Group Malaysia, Malaysia's retail sector is anticipated to expand moderately by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025). The report noted that Malaysian retailers remained cautious about retail sales performance for Q2, anticipating a contraction of 1 per cent. This projected contraction may be due mainly to the Hari Raya spending patterns this year compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the survey by PPK Malaysia, conducted from the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024) to Q1 2025, captured responses from 61 mall operators across various regions and mall sizes, reflecting a range of service levels and building quality. Malaysia's 733 malls collectively offer 196.2 million sq ft of net lettable area (NLA) and carry an estimated real estate value of RM153 billion. The data underscores a highly fragmented market dominated by smaller retail assets. Malls below 500,000 sq ft account for 81.5 per cent of total establishments and contribute 54.4 per cent of the country's total NLA, highlighting the significance of neighbourhood and mid-sized retail formats in Malaysia's retail landscape. From a regional perspective, the central region remains the retail epicentre, hosting 292 malls (39.8 per cent of the national total) and commanding 46.7 per cent of Malaysia's total retail space. This is followed by the southern region, which has 162 malls, or 22.1 per cent of the country's total; the northern region, with 138 malls, or 18.8 per cent of the country's total; East Malaysia, with 95 malls and 13 per cent of the country's total; and the east coast, with 46, or 6.3 per cent of the country's total. In terms of distribution by NLA, the central region accounted for 46.7 per cent of the total NLA of all shopping malls/retail centres in Malaysia, making up almost half of the total retail space in the country. The southern region had the second largest distribution with 21 per cent of total NLA. This was followed by the northern region, with 16.5 per cent of total NLA; East Malaysia, with 10.8 per cent of total NLA; and the East Coast, with 5 per cent of total NLA. The findings highlight where retail property investments are most concentrated, offering valuable insight for investors, developers, and REIT managers assessing location-specific growth opportunities amid a challenging operating environment.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Bargains drive demand as margins face pressure
PETALING JAYA: Growth numbers for the consumer sector could moderate in the second half of 2025, especially for retailers, following a strong start to the year with the Hari Raya celebrations. This was despite the sector providing a defensive shelter amidst the uncertain global macroeconomic outlook, thanks to the domestic-centric earnings base and resilient consumption on stable employment and continuous financial support. In a report, RHB Research said the prospects of subdued consumer sentiment and rising operating expenditure (opex) will cap earnings growth. 'Therefore, we strategically advocate for the liquid large-cap retailers with better earnings visibility, backed by superior operational scale and efficiency. We maintain a 'neutral' call,' RHB Research said. It added that moving past the immediate term, it foresees consumer sentiment staying soft, impacted by elevated inflationary pressures as well as uncertain economic and income outlooks stemming from global trade tensions. 'As such, inflation-weary consumers will continue to spend selectively, prioritising essential purchases and bargain-hunting for value, hence capping discretionary spending,' it noted. RHB Research said it prefers defensive and liquid large-cap names like MR DIY Group (M) Bhd and 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd for their ability to capture consumer spending and reasonable valuations versus consumer staple peers. The research house also likes Farm Fresh Bhd for its ambitious drive to penetrate more segments in the dairy industry and favours Guan Chong Bhd for its stellar earnings outlook, supported by forward sales at elevated combined ratios and normalised production volumes. 'We also highlight Focus Point Holdings Bhd 's undemanding valuation, notwithstanding the robust optical sales momentum on the back of the rising myopic population and proactive marketing drive.' On the sales and service (SST) tax, RHB Research said it does not reckon companies will be able to pass on the additional costs considering the demand elasticity and anti-profiteering regulation in place. With that, it opined that margin trends could turn subdued, particularly for retailers like Aeon Co (M) Bhd, Padini Holdings Bhd , Mynews Holdings Bhd and Focus Point, unless there are significant efficiency gains to offset the impact. 'On the other hand, things are turning more favourable for food manufacturers like Nestle Malaysia Bhd , Farm Fresh and Power Root Bhd as easing commodity prices and strengthening of the ringgit should translate to a promising margin outlook.' Risks include a major slowdown in economic growth and a sharp surge of commodity prices. 'We believe they can better mitigate opex inflation owing to their dominant market share, massive scale of operations, and established brand equity,' it said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Engineering marvel of Sabah's golden mosque
Tan The Sabah State Mosque, known locally as Masjid Negeri Sabah, located at Sembulan roundabout between Jalan Mat Salleh and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in Kota Kinabalu, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. With its grand golden dome, exquisite Islamic architecture, and strategic location overlooking the Likas Bay, it is not only a house of worship but also a marvel of engineering and cultural synthesis. Completed in 1975, the mosque was designed by architect Dato' Baharuddin Kassim and constructed during the tenure of Tun Datu Mustapha, Sabah's first Head of State. It reflects the post-independence era's ambition of uniting religion, heritage, and modernity in a way that resonates with Malaysia's multicultural society. This article delves into the mosque's architectural significance, structural engineering, material usage, sustainability features, and the symbolic integration of religion, culture and science. Architectural and Cultural Significance At the heart of the Sabah State Mosque's design lies a deep reverence for Islamic geometric art, traditional Malay motifs, and modern construction methodologies. The mosque accommodates over 5,000 worshippers at any given time and includes an outdoor prayer space that can hold thousands more during Friday and Hari Raya prayers. The building is strategically oriented towards the Qibla, facing Mecca, which required careful surveying and alignment. The layout follows the traditional Islamic Mosque plan with a large prayer hall, a central dome, multiple smaller domes, and a tall minaret. Key Architectural Features cover the following: • The Golden Dome: Perhaps the most striking feature of the mosque is its massive central dome, gilded in shimmering gold. It represents the spiritual vault of heaven in Islamic cosmology. Surrounding this dome are smaller domes with intricate calligraphy and arabesque designs. • The Minaret: Standing tall at about 215 feet (65.5 meters), the mosque's singular minaret is not only used for the call to prayer (adhan) but also serves as a visual reference point in Kota Kinabalu's skyline. The structural design had to consider seismic activity in Sabah, requiring precise engineering. • Islamic Ornamentation: Calligraphic panels bearing Quranic verses and floral arabesques are incorporated throughout, blending Malay and Islamic influences in artistic harmony. • Grand Archways and Porticos: These not only serve aesthetic purposes but also provide natural ventilation and protection from sun and rain, essential in tropical climates. Structural Engineering Considerations The mosque's construction posed multiple engineering challenges due to its size, architectural complexity, and Sabah's geotechnical conditions. 1. Foundation and Soil Conditions Sabah lies in a tropical zone with areas prone to soft clay, high water tables, and occasional seismic activity. The site of the mosque was selected for its relatively stable strata, but deep foundation systems — such as bored piles and raft footings — were employed to support the enormous weight of the central dome and tall minaret. 2. Dome Engineering The golden dome, with a diameter of over 20 meters, is an engineering feat. Unlike traditional brick domes, the Sabah Mosque dome utilizes a reinforced concrete shell, a technique that allows for thin, strong curved surfaces. The construction involved: • Designing for uniform stress distribution to avoid cracking. • Incorporating expansion joints to handle Sabah's high humidity and heat fluctuations. • Applying aluminium composite panels with gold anodized finish, which give the dome its brilliant shine while reducing maintenance requirements. 3. Minaret Stability The minaret's slender profile makes it susceptible to wind and minor tremors. Engineers had to balance slenderness ratio and wind load resistance by using shear walls and central reinforced concrete core for rigidity, installing vibration damping systems to minimize sway and anchoring the base with deep piles and integrating it into the mosque's foundation system. Materials and Construction Methods The mosque combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. This hybrid approach ensures durability while retaining cultural authenticity. • Concrete and Steel: The main structural materials, used for their strength and cost-effectiveness. • Marble and Tiles: Imported white marble was used for interior flooring and columns, while mosaic tiles with Islamic patterns adorn the walls and domes. • Timber Accents: Locally sourced hardwood, such as meranti, was used for doors, window screens (mashrabiya), and ceiling elements. • Glass and Light: Stained glass windows reflect coloured light into the main prayer hall, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment. Acoustic and Environmental Design Mosques are designed to amplify the spoken word, especially the Imam's recitations. Sabah State Mosque incorporates smart acoustic planning: • The main prayer hall has a large open span with minimal columns, enabling sound to travel unimpeded. • Domes and semi-domes act as sound reflectors. • Carpeted floors and soft interior finishes reduce echo and improve clarity. In terms of environmental adaptation, the mosque features: • Cross Ventilation: Large archways and open corridors allow fresh air to circulate, reducing reliance on air conditioning. • Rainwater Harvesting: The curved roofs channel rainwater into underground storage, used for ablution and irrigation. • Solar Orientation: The building minimizes east and west exposure to reduce thermal gain. Maintenance, Restoration, and Engineering Longevity Since its completion in 1975, the mosque has undergone periodic renovations and restorations to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic preservation. Engineering teams face challenges including: • Concrete degradation due to tropical moisture. • Surface staining and corrosion on metallic elements. • Upgrading to modern standards, especially for fire safety, lighting and disabled access. Notably, during its 40th anniversary, a major restoration project was launched: • Dome and minaret surfaces were re-cladded. • A modern PA system with acoustic modelling was installed. • LED lighting replaced conventional fixtures, enhancing energy efficiency and beauty during night prayers. Engineering Lessons and Innovation The Sabah State Mosque provides multiple engineering lessons: 1. Contextual Engineering: Tailoring designs to local climate, materials, and cultural context leads to resilient and harmonious structures. 2. Dome Construction: Demonstrates how thin-shell concrete can be both strong and aesthetically stunning. 3. Seismic Adaptation: Despite not being a high seismic zone, the mosque's design anticipates movement and ensures long-term safety. 4. Blending Aesthetics with Function: Islamic architecture teaches engineers that structural beauty and spiritual purpose can coexist. Community and Educational Impact The mosque is more than a physical structure; it's a community hub and an educational beacon. Adjacent facilities include the following • An Islamic library and Quranic centre. • Classrooms for religious studies and language courses. • Event halls and offices for religious leaders. For engineering students, it serves as a case study in multidisciplinary design, integrating civil, structural, electrical and environmental engineering with architecture, theology and history. In Conclusion: A Mosque for the Ages The Sabah State Mosque is a timeless expression of spiritual devotion, cultural pride and engineering ingenuity. It stands not only as a religious landmark but also as an enduring symbol of how science and faith can coalesce in the service of beauty, function and human flourishing. In the years ahead, this mosque will continue to inspire architects, engineers, worshippers, and tourists alike — reminding us that great structures are not merely built with concrete and steel, but with vision, values and wisdom.
