Kuala lumpur: The performance of participants at the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) this year shows a significant improvement as a result of stricter preliminary screening. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said this approach allows only truly qualified participants to advance to the competition stage, thus meeting international-standard performance levels.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sirajuddin highlighted that the recitation in terms of melody and tajwid meets the expectations of the judges, contrasting previous years where some participants were somewhat excessive. He made these remarks at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC).

Sirajuddin, serving as chairman of the panel of judges, noted that nearly all participants in the memorisation category exhibited a high level of mastery, answering questions successfully throughout the competition. He remarked that 99 per cent of the memorisation participants could answer the questions, though acknowledging minor shortcomings.

Meanwhile, Malaysian reciter Wan Sofea Aini Wan Mohd Zahidi expressed her desire to educate the younger generation in taranum if she succeeds in the competition. She mentioned that despite having classes available, her focus on competitions had previously limited her involvement.

Other notable participants include Mohamad Habil Walizada from Afghanistan, Kaiyrbay Dauken from Kazakhstan, Mohamad Mozammel Hossain from Canada, Nur Rahmiyatin Adhya from Indonesia, and Sansari Sos Yusof from Cambodia. The event is broadcast live on RTM's TV1 and JAKIM's social media channels, starting at 8.15 pm.

The 65th MTHQA, themed 'Membangun Ummah MADANI' (Developing a Madani Ummah), features 71 participants from 49 countries. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend the closing ceremony at 8 pm tomorrow.