The Al-Qahhar Mosque in Permatang Damar Laut currently fits more than 300 people but may see a bigger space in the future.

In a surprise announcement, Zahid said the RM4 million donation would be released in two parts, one by this year and the other by next year.

“Mosques must remain a holy place and be respected by all.

“They should also be a place where differences between each other are set aside,” he told reporters after performing terawih prayers at the mosque.

Later, Zahid joined Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Penang Umno chief Zainal Abidin Osman and state police chief Chuah Ghee Lye for a moreh (Ramadan feast).

He had earlier appeared at a buka puasa function outside the southwest district mosque, Balik Pulau, which was attended by more than 1,000 people.