Miri community leaders perform qurban for orphans, needy families
MIRI (June 8): A total of 20 community leaders and village chiefs from the Majlis Ketua Kaum Melayu Miri came together today to perform the 'qurban' of two cows at the Hamidah Yakup Welfare Complex.
Some 60 volunteers took part in the meat-cutting and distribution efforts, which were aimed at helping orphans and underprivileged households in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
State Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin attended the event and helped distribute the sacrificial meat to orphans.
Also present were Miri Division Malay community leader Temenggong Abang Mohamed Dato' Sri Abang Othman and Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board (Peryatim) Miri Branch chairman Julaihi Mohamad.
A total of 160 packets of meat were handed out, including 1kg packages to needy families in the area. community Hari Raya Aidiladha Lee Kim Shin sacrificial cattle meat
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Surrounding this dome are smaller domes with intricate calligraphy and arabesque designs. • The Minaret: Standing tall at about 215 feet (65.5 meters), the mosque's singular minaret is not only used for the call to prayer (adhan) but also serves as a visual reference point in Kota Kinabalu's skyline. The structural design had to consider seismic activity in Sabah, requiring precise engineering. • Islamic Ornamentation: Calligraphic panels bearing Quranic verses and floral arabesques are incorporated throughout, blending Malay and Islamic influences in artistic harmony. • Grand Archways and Porticos: These not only serve aesthetic purposes but also provide natural ventilation and protection from sun and rain, essential in tropical climates. Structural Engineering Considerations The mosque's construction posed multiple engineering challenges due to its size, architectural complexity, and Sabah's geotechnical conditions. 1. Foundation and Soil Conditions Sabah lies in a tropical zone with areas prone to soft clay, high water tables, and occasional seismic activity. The site of the mosque was selected for its relatively stable strata, but deep foundation systems — such as bored piles and raft footings — were employed to support the enormous weight of the central dome and tall minaret. 2. Dome Engineering The golden dome, with a diameter of over 20 meters, is an engineering feat. Unlike traditional brick domes, the Sabah Mosque dome utilizes a reinforced concrete shell, a technique that allows for thin, strong curved surfaces. The construction involved: • Designing for uniform stress distribution to avoid cracking. • Incorporating expansion joints to handle Sabah's high humidity and heat fluctuations. • Applying aluminium composite panels with gold anodized finish, which give the dome its brilliant shine while reducing maintenance requirements. 3. Minaret Stability The minaret's slender profile makes it susceptible to wind and minor tremors. Engineers had to balance slenderness ratio and wind load resistance by using shear walls and central reinforced concrete core for rigidity, installing vibration damping systems to minimize sway and anchoring the base with deep piles and integrating it into the mosque's foundation system. Materials and Construction Methods The mosque combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. This hybrid approach ensures durability while retaining cultural authenticity. • Concrete and Steel: The main structural materials, used for their strength and cost-effectiveness. • Marble and Tiles: Imported white marble was used for interior flooring and columns, while mosaic tiles with Islamic patterns adorn the walls and domes. • Timber Accents: Locally sourced hardwood, such as meranti, was used for doors, window screens (mashrabiya), and ceiling elements. • Glass and Light: Stained glass windows reflect coloured light into the main prayer hall, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment. Acoustic and Environmental Design Mosques are designed to amplify the spoken word, especially the Imam's recitations. Sabah State Mosque incorporates smart acoustic planning: • The main prayer hall has a large open span with minimal columns, enabling sound to travel unimpeded. • Domes and semi-domes act as sound reflectors. • Carpeted floors and soft interior finishes reduce echo and improve clarity. In terms of environmental adaptation, the mosque features: • Cross Ventilation: Large archways and open corridors allow fresh air to circulate, reducing reliance on air conditioning. • Rainwater Harvesting: The curved roofs channel rainwater into underground storage, used for ablution and irrigation. • Solar Orientation: The building minimizes east and west exposure to reduce thermal gain. Maintenance, Restoration, and Engineering Longevity Since its completion in 1975, the mosque has undergone periodic renovations and restorations to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic preservation. Engineering teams face challenges including: • Concrete degradation due to tropical moisture. • Surface staining and corrosion on metallic elements. • Upgrading to modern standards, especially for fire safety, lighting and disabled access. Notably, during its 40th anniversary, a major restoration project was launched: • Dome and minaret surfaces were re-cladded. • A modern PA system with acoustic modelling was installed. • LED lighting replaced conventional fixtures, enhancing energy efficiency and beauty during night prayers. Engineering Lessons and Innovation The Sabah State Mosque provides multiple engineering lessons: 1. Contextual Engineering: Tailoring designs to local climate, materials, and cultural context leads to resilient and harmonious structures. 2. Dome Construction: Demonstrates how thin-shell concrete can be both strong and aesthetically stunning. 3. Seismic Adaptation: Despite not being a high seismic zone, the mosque's design anticipates movement and ensures long-term safety. 4. Blending Aesthetics with Function: Islamic architecture teaches engineers that structural beauty and spiritual purpose can coexist. Community and Educational Impact The mosque is more than a physical structure; it's a community hub and an educational beacon. Adjacent facilities include the following • An Islamic library and Quranic centre. • Classrooms for religious studies and language courses. • Event halls and offices for religious leaders. For engineering students, it serves as a case study in multidisciplinary design, integrating civil, structural, electrical and environmental engineering with architecture, theology and history. In Conclusion: A Mosque for the Ages The Sabah State Mosque is a timeless expression of spiritual devotion, cultural pride and engineering ingenuity. It stands not only as a religious landmark but also as an enduring symbol of how science and faith can coalesce in the service of beauty, function and human flourishing. In the years ahead, this mosque will continue to inspire architects, engineers, worshippers, and tourists alike — reminding us that great structures are not merely built with concrete and steel, but with vision, values and wisdom.
