19 years of waiting, Sarawak is back champion

KUCHING, 11 Oct: Nur Syakura Mohamad Musa's achievement appears johan qariah at the International Council of Tilawah and Hafazan al-Quran Rankings (MTHQA) 66th time ending Sarawak's almost 19-year wait to reborn a qariah champion on the international stage.

The achievement echoed the success of Allahyarhamah Amnah Ayup who won the same category in 2007, thus banning Sarawak and Malaysia at international level.

Nur Syakura's return to Kuching International Airport on Sunday was warmly welcomed by family members, contacts and representatives present to celebrate her achievement.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department (Coordinator of Projects of Regional Development Agency, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the success proved that Sarawak is capable of producing quality qari and qariah which can compete internationally.

"The achievements of Ustazah Nur Syakura Mohamad Musa emerged johan qariah after representing Sarawak and Malaysia to the pride of the people of this state especially Islamic agencies that also support the development of the field of Quran", he said as he was met by media after welcoming Nur Syakura's arrival in Kuching.

According to him, Nur Syakura's perseverance and continuous efforts prove the ability of the state children to be promoted to higher levels, as well as inspire younger generations to deepen the Qur'an and raise the art of penmanship.

Meanwhile, he said that the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) continues to step up efforts to produce more qualitative qari and qariah in order to maintain Sarawak's excellence in this field.

The effort was carried out through agencies under the MIS including the Darul Hana Quran Center which expands activities related to reading, research and development of Quranic knowledge.