Latest news with #Al-Quran
The Star
21-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Brunei royalty graces Girl Guides ceremony
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah yesterday consented to grace the PPPBD Khatam Al-Quran ceremony held in conjunction with the 79th birthday of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The ceremony took place at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School in Rimba, Gadong. Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by lifelong Vice President Masni Mohd Ali; PPPBD Vice President Viviyanti Md Ali and PPPBD Chief Commissioner Norazrina Sarbini. Three groups of PPPBD members comprising the Administrative Committee, Adult and Young Leaders completed the recitation of the 30 juzuk of Al-Quran. Members of the association involved in the 'Project Pencinta Kalam Allah' who had each completed the recitation of the 30 juzuk of the Quran also participated in the ceremony. The ceremony began with the mass recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar, Selawat Tafrijiyyah and Doa, the recitation of Al-Quran followed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by PPPBD Spiritual Commissioner Fatimah Abdul Ghani. This was followed with the recitation of Takhtim by Khatam participants in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th birthday led by Khatam participants from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali's Young Leaders Unit. Meanwhile, PPPBD Young Leaders Commissioner Dr Mariam Abdul Rahman recited the Khatam prayer and Fatimah recited Doa Selamat and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam. In addition to the activities of skills development, society and culture, the association is also active in ensuring spiritual and religious activities involving members of all levels. The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony serves as one of the annual activities of the association. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Rakyat Post
14-07-2025
- General
- Rakyat Post
The Future of Selangor Islamic University (UIS): A Growing Reality?
Subscribe to our FREE Selangor Islamic University (UIS) is no longer unfamiliar to the 7.3 million residents of Selangor. Formerly known as Kolej Islam Darul Ehsan (KISDAR) when it was established in 1993, it was later upgraded to Kolej Universiti Islam Selangor (KUIS). On 20 July 2023, it reached a new milestone, officially becoming Selangor Islamic University (UIS). Today, UIS sits among the ranks of prestigious universities in Selangor such as Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). However, the journey to full global recognition is far from over. Based in Kajang, Selangor, UIS currently has around 5,600 students, offering 76 academic programmes across six faculties—a promising start that still presents challenges ahead as it aims to solidify its place on the international stage. Recently, I attended a hi-tea event hosted by UIS in Bangi, Selangor, which brought together media representatives, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), and UIS administrators. The event served as a platform to announce the 27th Convocation Ceremony and the official proclamation. In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Dato' Prof. Dr. Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah candidly acknowledged the difficult path the university has taken to reach its current status. Despite being a fully owned Islamic higher learning institution under MAIS, which has played a crucial role in promoting Islamic scholarship and unity in Selangor, the challenge of evolving into a globally competitive university remains real. Prof. Dr. Farid stressed the importance of innovating academic programmes to keep pace with the rapidly changing digital world. As a private higher education institution (IPTS), UIS is competing not only with other private universities but also with long-established public universities across Malaysia. On 19 July, UIS is set to witness another historical moment as Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin will be officially proclaimed as the first Chancellor of UIS. This raises a crucial question: Is UIS ready to face the reality of higher education competition and attract more school leavers and pre-university graduates (SPM/STPM holders) to enrol? According to Prof. Dr. Farid, the university is actively rebranding itself as an entrepreneurial university—offering more than just theory-based education. Students are now being equipped with practical skills and business acumen to become young entrepreneurs capable of marketing their talents and products. For example, traditional programmes such as Usuluddin have been rebranded as Usuluddin and Multimedia, Al-Quran and Sunnah transformed into Al-Quran, Sunnah and Communication, and Education is now integrated with Tahfiz studies. These innovations are designed to widen students' skill sets while preparing them to face future challenges—especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The relevance of AI cannot be overstated. On 15 November 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, emphasized the need for AI development to be aligned with Malaysia's moral, cultural, and religious values. 'In a country where the majority are Muslims… we must implement ethical AI governance to safeguard national harmony,' said the Prime Minister. Apart from academic innovation, UIS also plans to strengthen its twinning programmes with universities in the Middle East (Egypt and Jordan) as well as in Australia and New Zealand, through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with top institutions in these regions. Prof. Dr. Farid believes such initiatives will give UIS students the opportunity to gain international exposure and added value in their educational journey. Now entering its third decade since establishment, UIS has produced thousands of graduates. At its 27th convocation, a total of 1,528 graduates received their scrolls across various levels of study—each equipped with the knowledge to face the future. With these carefully planned strategies and visionary leadership, UIS is no longer just an Islamic institution producing graduates in religious studies. It now stands poised to contribute across multiple sectors of national development, disproving the outdated perception that Islamic university graduates are only relevant in religious fields. About Charles Mohan Charles Mohan is a veteran Malaysian broadcast journalist, widely recognized for his work as a news anchor and journalist at ntv7, with a career spanning over 22 years. Known for his fearless reporting and deep commitment to journalistic integrity, Charles has covered several high-profile national stories, including the Altantuya Shaariibuu and Norita Shamsuddin murder cases, as well as the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trials. Charles held multiple key roles at ntv7, including news anchor, news assignment editor, and news editor for special reports. He also participated in international media training programs, notably attending CNN Training in Atlanta, USA, in 2003. In his autobiographical book Sebenarnya… ('Actually…'), Charles offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a journalist in Malaysia. The book features candid reflections on his interviews with political leaders such as the late Tok Guru Nik Aziz, and recounts challenges he faced, including receiving death threats while reporting on sensitive issues like prostitution and corruption in Klang. Outside the newsroom, Charles is equally committed to humanitarian causes. He began his philanthropic journey by donating small monthly sums (RM15–RM30) to the Good Samaritan Home in Klang. Today, he takes pride in seeing former beneficiaries thrive in careers such as nursing, law, accounting, and aviation. For Charles, this journey is proof that even modest acts of giving can profoundly change lives. lthough he has been incorrectly associated with the Anugerah Skrin TV3 award in 2006, there is no official record confirming that he received this honor. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . 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The Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Call to preserve divine blessings in AI era: Brunei Sultan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (pic) has called on people engaging in dakwah and religious speakers to continue promoting efforts to preserve the blessings bestowed by Allah the Almighty. Delivering a speech in conjunction with the Islamic New Year 1447 Hijrah last night, His Majesty also reminded that while the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is widely viewed in a positive light, it must be approached with caution. The monarch warned that AI can become like a virus if misused by irresponsible parties. Reflecting on the uncertainties of today's world, marked by various crises and turmoil, His Majesty stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in order to guard against harmful influences. The monarch likened the rapid development of AI technology to a form of 'migration' that is now deeply embedded in daily life. Although this shift is largely beneficial, His Majesty warned that the misuse of AI could spread harmful ideas, distort thinking, and even weaken faith, describing it as a potential 'virus' that infects the mind and soul. His Majesty expressed strong confidence that Brunei, with Allah's will, can continue to prosper in peace and stability, as has already been demonstrated by the country's steady development. 'Why do we continue to enjoy such good fortune?' His Majesty asked. 'It is because we have consistently upheld Islam as the guiding principle of our lives and even in our system of governance. We obey what religion commands and refrain from what it prohibits. This is proof that faith and piety are flourishing in this blessed land of Brunei Darussalam.' His Majesty cited Surah Al-A'raf, verse 96 of Al-Quran, which translates, 'And if the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah the Almighty, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heavens and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.' His Majesty further reminded that blessings come in many forms: a peaceful nation, a prosperous country, obedience to Ulil Amri (those in authority), and unity among the people. All these are blessings that must be preserved. To maintain these blessings, His Majesty emphasised, the nation must continue to uphold faith and piety. However, the monarch acknowledged that challenges exist, especially with the rise of modern trends. AI technology, while widely adopted, has also made it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. His Majesty warned that some individuals are now willing to exploit AI to spread slander and misinformation on social media, which can slowly erode religious beliefs and practices. 'Therefore,' His Majesty said, 'we must protect ourselves from slander, as doing so strengthens both our faith and religious understanding.' In this regard, His Majesty again urged those engaging in dakwah and religious speakers to continue their mission of guiding people towards a life of faith and piety, so that all – without exception – may live under the continued grace of Allah the Almighty's blessings. His Majesty expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for allowing the nation to celebrate the Islamic New Year 1447 Hijrah in peace and joy. The monarch also expressed hope that the new year will bring blessings to all and continued peace and prosperity to the nation. His Majesty, together with members of the royal family, extended New Year greetings to all levels of society and prayed for the continued blessings of Allah the Almighty and the safety of the country. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (June 12, 2025)
Malaysia * Govt bears almost half a million ringgit in cost for Tun Mahathir's trip to Nikkei conference * Over 34,000 corruption reports, RM31bil seized or forfeited in five years, says Azam Baki * Muhammed Yusoff Rawther acquitted of cannabis, firearms charges * Food delivery driver critically injured in bus collision after running red light * Deputy minister's FB posts vanished, Meta confirms act of sabotage * Freelancer fined RM20,000 for selling obscene content * Gerik bus crash: Bus driver arrested * Immigration swoops on 'Dugem' nightspot packed with foreigners in Pudu, callgirls hotspot in Klang * MACC nabs four for alleged NGO fund misappropriation * Explosion rocks fruit shop in Bandar Baru Klang, damaging six vehicles * Warden at Al-Quran learning centre sentenced to six years' jail for sodomising two boys * Gerik bus crash: Teacher investigated over offensive comments made on victims * Temerloh accident: Driver of car involved in fatal accident remanded for seven days * High-profile investigations to be wrapped up in six months, says Azam * Lorry driver killed in three-vehicle crash on NSE * Take action to protect domestic workers in Malaysia, urges Tenaganita * Gerik highway to receive safety upgrades following tragic bus crash, says Nanta * Gerik bus crash: You have the right to remain silent, Loke warns driver * Nur Farah Kartini's murder: Policeman pleads not guilty * Eleven escape injury in double-decker bus crash * Teen, 17, is prime suspect behind double murder case, say Melaka cops * Gerik bus crash: Counselling team waiting for families, says Nancy * Expanded SST impacts essential goods, says Dr Wee * MACC officers have already quizzed Ismail Sabri's former son-in-law in Jakarta, says Azam Baki * Sukuk misuse case: Investigation to be completed within two months, says Azam Baki * Gerik crash: Police record statement of bus owner * Sukuk misuse case: MACC tactical squad seen entering Tan Sri's property * Tengku Zafrul says his focus now is on current duties, not future plans * PETRONAS terminations should be gradual, give training, says Muhyiddin * FRU crash tragedy: No evidence of steering malfunction, lorry overloaded * Fists win against croc's fangs * Unemployment rate at 10-year low * Vaccine demand rises amid regional surge in Covid-19 cases * M'sia secures RM90bil approved investments in 1Q * Big banks collaborate on Johor data centre deal * 'Put revised SST on hold' * Private school parents jittery over service tax impact * 'Bookings must include full name' * Airport revamp needed before VM2026 Singapore * Probe into 49 for suspected money laundering involving crypto accounts, over US$156,000 seized * Singapore man who asked maid to 'sexually stimulate' him jailed three months for assault * Singapore man charged with stealing S$1,500 worth of potted plants from Yishun HDB block * Passengers reschedule travel plans and seek refunds following Jetstar Asia's abrupt closure * Jetstar Asia's exit shrinks options for consumers, but unlikely to dent Changi's hub status Indonesia * Indonesia's Prabowo to meet Putin for talks in Russia * China extends 10-day visa-free transit policy to Indonesia * Erdogan says Indonesia to buy nearly 50 fighter jets from Turkey * Alleged sexual abuse of rape victim by officer sparks outrage in Indonesia * No cabinet shake-up for now, says Prabowo's aide Thailand * Burapha Task Force adjusts control measures for Thai-Cambodian border * Thai alcohol consumption surges amid worrying trend of younger smokers * Thai panel upholds suspension of doctors who helped ex-PM Thaksin dodge jail * Pheu Thai party to take control of Interior Ministry, Anutin to be Deputy PM and Commerce Minister * Rayong named no.1 "Slow Travel" destination in Asia for 2025 by Agoda * Thai shoppers embrace 'pre-bed purchases': Why 9pm is peak online spending * Thai ruling party grapples with border crisis, thorny court case amid bleak economy * Mines blamed for toxic rivers * Vietnamese 'romance scammers' busted in Thai luxury villa raid Philippines * Charter experts urge Philippines Senate to proceed with Duterte impeachment trial * Marcos to Filipinos: Protect our liberty; 'apathy' is freedom's enemy * Filipino families flee Northern Irish home after night of anti-immigrant violence * Philippine president declares state of calamity in Eastern Visayas Vietnam * Vietnam among world's most food-self-sufficient nations: Study * Vietnam lawmakers approve merging provinces, slashing nearly 80,000 jobs * Vietnam advances plans for international financial centre as trade risks grow Myanmar * Myanmar electronic voting machine (MEVM) tested at Taunggyi Government Office * Earthquake worsens Myanmar's economic decline, World Bank says * Siege of Myanmar trade town Kyondoe makes life miserable for schoolchildren Cambodia * Phnom Penh port sees 30% jump in container traffic Jan-May * Australia, Japan combine to boost Cambodian cashew industry * Nine-province, US$95mil sanitation infrastructure project breaks ground Laos * Laos warns of heavy rain, flood risk * Lao govt prioritises key transport projects to boost regional connectivity * PM vows to take action on inflation and debt amid National Assembly concerns Brunei * Brunei receives Silver Award from Saudi Arabia for outstanding haj management * Brunei's largest bank warns of scam calls * First national conference for those with different abilities Aseanplus * Malaysian movie Ejen Ali 2 is now raising the bar for animation movies in South-East Asia; rakes in almost RM51mil after just three weeks * Death toll in Air India crash rises to over 290 * Air India crash makes 2025 deadliest for air travel in years * Air India crash: After 30 seconds of takeoff, a loud noise followed, and the plane crashed, says lone survivor Ramesh Viswashkumar * Air India crash: First Boeing 787 Dreamliner to crash since its introduction in 2011 * Air India crash: One survivor found in seat 11A, currently under treatment * Boeing share slump hits Dow, US stocks * Ahmedabad police chief says 'appears to be no survivor' in India air crash * Flames and smoke in aftermath of crashed India passenger jet * No Malaysians involved in Air India crash, says Wisma Putra * Air India AI 171 crash: Flight with 242 persons onboard crashed at a doctors' hostel, says police * 'Many killed' as Air India plane with 242 people crashes near India's Ahmedabad airport * Air India says people on crashed flight included Indians, British, Portuguese and a Canadian * Air India AI 171 crash: Pilots sent "Mayday call", then silence * Air India confirms Flight 171 Ahmedabad-London Gatwick in 'tragic accident' * Air India plane to London with over 240 passengers onboard crashes in Ahmedabad * Japan party leaders face off over no-confidence motion; Opposition hesitant amid tariff negotiations with United States * English lessons in Hong Kong primary schools to cover national security * Most G7 members ready to lower Russian oil price cap without US * Empat is the name - Malaysian music legends team up with family members to become music's new super quartet * Malaysian actor Zhang Yaodong makes TikTok debut to express gratitude for support over being a stallholder in Singapore * What do we know so far about China's advanced J-36 and J-50 fighter jets? * Soccer-Four-week break among recommended player safeguards as part of new soccer study * Cricket-Australia stretch lead over South Africa in WTC final to 106 runs * Former Category III star Amy Yip marks 59th birthday in HK, receives award from Malaysia * Asia sees 'concerning' rise in long payment delays amid turbulence: report * No details from China after Trump announces "done" trade deal * Hong Kong girl, 17, rescued from fire 'likely caused by power bank' * Three Malaysians detained in Laos for suspected drug smuggling * Myanmar national escapes gallows, gets 30 years for murder * Japan's close-range reconnaissance a security threat, China says * Taiwan jails Chinese ship captain for damaging undersea cables * 'I came to S. Korea to see him,' says China fan who attempted to break into home of BTS' Jungkook * Australia's Monash IVF CEO quits days after second embryo mix-up in 2 months * South Korean stalking victim stabbed to death while under police protection * Nepal's 12th man: Diaspora cricket fans power the Rhinos in Scotland * China's coastal areas prepare for year's first typhoon * Alibaba staff worked through holiday after DeepSeek breakthrough * Bangladesh's Yunus says will step down after polls * Packing up a lifetime in 45 minutes as Pakistan's foreigner crackdown sends Afghans scrambling * Malaysia seeks tariff relief below 10% for key sectors in upcoming US talks * Japan's Ishiba signals no rush to strike US deal as gaps persist * Malaysia emerges as FDI and tourism leader in Southeast Asia * 'Lower income, less hygienic?' Swimming pool in South Korea sign sparks backlash * Asian currencies strengthen on signs of easing trade tensions * Malaysia's natural rubber production falls 37.3% in April 2025 * Asean provides stable environment for business growth, says Tengku Zafrul * Over 6 million Afghans live amid explosive risk: HALO Trust * Singaporean fined RM9,100 for road rage incident in JB * South Koreans flock to Blue House ahead of presidential return * Bursa Malaysia inches up as caution reins in bulls * Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis dies of breast cancer at 52 * PSG's Lee pleads with S. Korea boo boys to back team at World Cup * Planters brace for profit hit under expanded SST regime * Australian accused of mushroom murders denies poisoning lunch as cross-examination ends * Australian regulator cracks down on 'finfluencers' over unlawful financial advice * Research houses maintain 4.0% GDP growth forecast for 2025 * Chinese fighters flew close to Japanese patrol planes, Tokyo expresses concern * From Earth to orbit: What Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS mission means for India * Asian shares stumble after Trump's latest trade threat * Gold rises on weaker dollar, rising Middle East tensions * Taiwan's Christine Fan competes in reality show 'Singer 2025', gets eliminated in first round * O&G stocks climb on Bursa as oil hits two-month high amid US-Iran tensions * Australia confident US will proceed with Biden-era submarine pact after review * Bursa Malaysia up in early trade, but trade tensions cap gains * Mongolia's 'Dragon Prince' dinosaur was forerunner of T. rex * Ringgit improves against greenback amid weaker US economic data * HK actor Carlos Chan says wife singer Shiga Lin isn't thrilled about his weight gain * Liu Ying assures Tze Yong on treatment abroad with her story in Germany * China's trump card against US * Citizens asked to help pick Cabinet members * HK bans game over national security * Man carries daughter through 12 years of school * Labubu doll fetches US$150,000 at auction * Two pairs in LA Olympics a possibility but Rexy stays wary of long road ahead * Global hotel chains feel bite of tight purse strings * CPO prices to remain under short-term pressure * IOIProp's Singapore acquisition raises outlook * The US, China are talking again. Don't call it a reset * Export growth hinges on trade talks *
The Sun
12-06-2025
- The Sun
Warden at Al-Quran learning centre sentenced to six years jail for sodomising two boys
SEREMBAN: A warden from an Al-Quran study center was sentenced to six years in prison and two strokes of the rotan by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to charges of committing physical sexual assault, sodomy, and unnatural carnal sex against two boys, between 2023 and last January. Judge Datin Surita Budin handed down the sentence against Mohd Khairi Fitri Baharom, 38, after the three charges were read separately and ordered him to serve the prison sentence starting from the date of his arrest on May 25. Surita also ordered the accused to undergo rehabilitation counseling and police supervision for one year after completing his prison sentence. According to the charges, Mohd Khairi Fitri was accused of committing physical sexual assault against a 12-year and four-month-old boy around 11 pm between Dec 15 and 20, 2023, in a warden's room at the study center in Jempol. He was also accused of sodomising the same victim around 10:30 pm on January 7, 2025, and committing unnatural carnal sex against a 10-year and seven-month-old boy at 5 pm between April and December 2024 at the same location. The offences were charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and read together with Section 16(1) of the same act, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and caning if convicted. He was also charged under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of not less than five years and a maximum of 20 years and caning if convicted. The accused, who was not represented by a lawyer during the appeal process, requested the court impose the lightest possible sentence on the grounds that he still had his mother to care for. Deputy Public Prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni then requested a proportionate sentence be imposed given that the offences involved children and the accused was an individual responsible for their care and safety. 'The accused abused his power and committed sexual harassment against them, therefore, a proportionate sentence is requested as a lesson for offences against vulnerable children who can be exploited by anyone,' she said. In addition, Mohd Khairi Fitri pleaded not guilty to 12 other similar charges against the same victim and five other children aged between eight and 12 years and nine months, around 2024 to January 24, 2025, at the same location and a house in Jalan Air Melana in Kuala Pilah. The charges were made under Section 14(a) and Section 14(b) of Act 792 and Section 377C of the Penal Code and the court then set July 14 for the next mention of the case and appointment of a lawyer.
