Sarawak's first international Islamic school to begin construction next year, says Abang Jo

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) presenting a prize to a participant of the Semariang Al-Quran recitation competition at Kampung Semerah Padi in Kuching.

KUCHING: The construction of Sarawak's first international Islamic school is expected to start next year, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Sarawak Premier said the state government had already identified a site for the school.

"(Lessons) will be based on an international syllabus. We will work with Singapore's Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah as its certificate is recognised by international universities," he said at the prize-giving ceremony of the Semariang Al-Quran recitation competition at Kampung Semerah Padi here on Sunday (April 9) night.

Abang Johari said the school would complement the state government's plans to set up five international schools.

"With this school, we can produce young Muslim scholars who can pursue further studies at international level," he said.

The first international school under Yayasan Sarawak began operations at Petra Jaya here last year, with four more to be built in Semenggoh, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.

Abang Johari also said the state government would set up a new astronomy centre at Santubong here for Muslim students to gain knowledge in the field.

He said the proposed Borneo Astronomy Centre would cost RM200mil and added that the state had set up similar centres in Miri and Bintulu.