KUCHING: The Seborneo City Quran Recitation Assembly, to be held from 26 to 29 October, 2026 at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall in Kuching, will serve as a platform to elevate the art of Quran recitation and promote harmony among Sarawak's multiracial and multireligious communities.

Darul Hana Quran Centre-Sarawak Islamic Council (DHQc-MIS) Chief Executive Officer and MTQBB Joint Secretary Mohamad Shalahudin Marzuki said the event will bring together participants from nine cities across the island of Borneo in an effort to strengthen Islamic brotherhood.

He said the inaugural event is an important platform to foster closer ties among regional communities, while giving participants the opportunity to showcase their talents in Quran recitation and memorisation.

"I believe the Seborneo City Quran Recitation Assembly is the first of its kind in the Nusantara, because previously there was one in 2023.

"That was the Borneo Quran Recitation Assembly, which involved five provinces in Kalimantan, as well as Sabah and Sarawak," he said.

He said this during an interview on the Juh Randau programme produced by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio on Friday.

He added that this year's event involves nine cities, namely Kuching, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Bandar Seri Begawan, Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Palangka Raya and Tanjung Selor.

According to him, the event is not merely a competition, but also a medium to promote Sarawak as a destination renowned for its harmony among people of various religions, races and ethnic groups.

A total of 32 participants will compete in two main categories, namely Quran recitation and 15-juzuk Quran memorisation, for both men and women.

The selection of participants also takes into account four main criteria, namely mastery of tajwid, taranum, fasahah and voice quality.

Participants must also never have been national champions in their respective countries or regions, in order to give new talents a chance.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) Chief Assistant Director for Communications and Corporate Ustaz Helmi Nahrawi said various side programmes have also been prepared to attract public participation, including Seborneo Scholars' Discourse, a Quran quiz, an exhibition on the history of the Quran and a calligraphy demonstration.

"It will gather ulama, and the attendance of the Sarawak Mufti, Mufti of Sabah, as well as representatives from Brunei and Kalimantan, has been confirmed," he said.

He said the programme is expected to broaden the sharing of religious knowledge and give visitors the opportunity to discover the uniqueness of Quran recitation arts from various regions in Borneo.

The event, organised by the Sarawak Islamic Council in collaboration with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), is scheduled to run from as early as 8am until night throughout the four days at the Sarawak Islamic Complex.

The public, regardless of religious background, is welcome to attend, supporting efforts to foster unity and strengthen community ties across Borneo. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Mia Jalil
Photo: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Uilson Ng