He said he stated the figures not as a boast, but to demonstrate the state government’s commitment alongside the Muslim community in strengthening the presence and teachings of Islam and making houses of worship a centre for the development of the Muslim community at large.

“What is important is that these places of worship continue to be enriched with various activities in knowledge, da’wah (preaching), education and unity, so that they are renowned not just by name but also for their accomplishments,” he said in a statement after opening the Abu Hassan Ar-Raudhah surau here today.

Hajiji said the construction of the new surau increased the number of Islamic places of worship in the Tuaran district to 69, comprising 38 suraus and 31 mosques, in line with the population growth and rapid development of the district bordering Kota Kinabalu.

“The government is confident that this number will continue to rise in tandem with the rapid progress taking place in Tuaran,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Bugis community for playing a key role in the construction of the new surau through cooperation, gotong-royong and community donations.