Kota kinabalu: Sabah has emerged as the Malaysian state with the highest number of mosques, boasting a total of 1,127 mosques, along with 1,222 surau across the state, as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He emphasized that this achievement reflects the state government's dedication, in collaboration with the Muslim community, to enhance the presence and teachings of Islam and to establish these places of worship as hubs for the development of the ummah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Hajiji underscored the importance of these worship sites being enriched with activities related to knowledge, da'wah (preaching), education, and unity. He expressed that these places should be known not just by name but also for their achievements. This statement was made following the inauguration of the Abu Hassan Ar-Raudhah Surau.

Hajiji highlighted the significance of the new surau in Tuaran district, which now hosts 69 Islamic places of worship, including 38 surau and 31 mosques. This expansion is in response to the district's population growth and rapid development, which is adjacent to Kota Kinabalu. He expressed confidence that the number of these establishments would continue to grow in line with Tuaran's progress.

Additionally, he acknowledged the Bugis community's vital contribution to the new surau's construction through cooperation, collective effort, and community donations. Hajiji stressed that mosques and surau are not limited to being venues for congregational prayers but also serve as pivotal centers for community unity, fostering brotherhood, disseminating knowledge, and promoting social and economic development.