Serian To Host 2026 Sarawak State-Level Quran Recital & Memorisation Assembly
SERIAN: The Serian Division is set to host the Sarawak State-Level Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly for the year 1447H/2026M.
Scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 February 2026, the event marks the 65th edition of the prestigious gathering since its inception in 1960.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said that the assembly is a cornerstone of Islamic celebrations and an official annual ceremony of the Sarawak Government.
He explained that the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) has been tasked as the lead organiser, working in collaboration with the Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) and the Serian Divisional Resident’s Office as the primary host.
The event is further supported by various state and federal government agencies.
"The objective of this assembly is to foster a deep love for the Quran as a comprehensive holy book among Muslims, to produce high-calibre reciters (qari and qariah) and memorisers (hafiz and hafizah) in Sarawak, and to strengthen missionary efforts aimed at enhancing faith and character within the community," he said.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks during a press conference held at the Serian Divisional Resident’s Office on Wednesday.
He added that this year’s theme remains "A Progressive and Prosperous Ummah," consistent with the theme adopted for all major Islamic festivals in Sarawak throughout the year.
As Chairman of the Sarawak State-Level Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman confirmed that 43 participants will compete this year.
In the Recital (Tilawah) category, there are 22 participants, comprising 13 male and 9 female reciters.
The Memorisation (Hafazan) category features 21 participants (15 male and 6 female), with representatives from nearly every division in Sarawak, with the exceptions of Sri Aman and Kapit.
The Memorisation category is divided into three tiers: Juz’ 1–10, Juz’ 1–20, and Juz’ 1–30.
The first two tiers each feature eight participants, while the Juz’ 1–30 category includes five male memorisers.
The champions of the male and female Recital categories will each receive RM10,000 in cash, alongside a challenge trophy, an accompanying trophy, a gift, and a certificate.
For the Memorisation categories, first-place prizes range between RM3,000 to RM5,000 depending on the tier, in addition to trophies and certificates.
The four-day assembly will be complemented by nearly 10 fringe events held across Serian.
The opening ceremony will be officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, on 4 February.
The event will culminate in a closing and prize-giving ceremony on 7 February, to be graced by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman expressed his hope that the assembly would continue to serve as a vital platform for discovering new talent and reinforcing the Quran’s role as a guide for the Muslim community, particularly among Sarawak's younger generation. - UKASnews
