KOTA KINABALU: Mount Kinabalu has made history as the site of Malaysia’s highest Kiblat direction monument, officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the recognition in his speech during a ceremony at The Pacific Sutera, Sutera Harbour Resort, on Monday (Oct 27).
He said the recognition was an achievement and a testament to the strength, knowledge and faith of Sabah’s Muslim community.
“This monument stands proudly on Malaysia’s highest peak, symbolising the steadfastness of faith and the glory of Islam. It is not just a record in a book, but recognition of the efforts in dakwah (Islamic outreach), knowledge, and innovation,” he said.
Hajiji said the monument, installed at an altitude of 3,930.4 metres above sea level at KM8 of Mount Kinabalu, enables Muslim climbers to accurately determine the Kiblat direction for prayers at high altitudes.
He said the initiative, implemented in several phases, began with a Kiblat determination survey by the Sabah Mufti Office, followed by measurement works by the Sabah Land and Survey Department and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia.
Other agencies involved included Sabah Parks, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the Chief Minister’s Department, the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, RTM, Ranau District Office, the Air Operations Force, and the Ceremonial and Protocol Division.
“Muslim tourists can now perform prayers with confidence at Malaysia’s highest peak,” said Hajiji.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sabah Mufti Office, technical teams and all partners involved in the project.
