RANAU: Sabah will have its first quake-proof and energy saving mosque here by 2019 to replace Masjid Ar-Rahman which was badly damaged by earthquake on June 5 two years ago.
The construction of the new mosque, at an estimated cost of RM11.15million, will begin early next year.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the district mosque will be equipped with modern lighting technology that will make the structure more attractive especially at night.
“The mosque, which is also going to be one of the places of attraction here, will also be installed with solar panel and harvest rainwater.
“When it is completed, the new building will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 people as compared to 1,500 in the existing mosque,” he said during the launching of rebuilding Masjid Ar-Rahman ceremony here.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman was also present to launch the project. Accompanying him on the working visit were Sabah Resource Development and Information Technology minister Datuk Siringan Gubat and Sabah Public Works minister Datuk Amrullah Kamal.
Musa said the delay of the mosque reconstruction was due to studies being conducted on the suitability of having quake-proof building in the district.
He said the studies took into account construction materials that were applicable for quake prone areas such as Ranau.