First floating mosque Malaysia’s newest landmark

By: Abdullah

KUAALA LAMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysia’s first mosque at sea at Penang’s popular Tanjung Bungah is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

According to Penang Public Works Department (JKR) director Datuk Ashaari Mohamad the mosque - a blend of local and Middle Eastern architecture - was the first to be built on sea in the country and along the Straits of Malacca.

“The two-storey building will also be major tourist attraction,” he said adding the mosque could accommodate 1,500 people. He said the department was satisfied with the quality of work carried out by a local Penang contractor and the materials used.

he said: “We hope to open the mosque before Hari Raya Haji in February” adding that the mosque would be accessible via a gangway from the beach.

State Development Officer Datuk Ismail Haji Wadin said the floating mosque would be Penang’s newest landmark. Nearby is a car park that can accommodate about 250 cars.

The mosque boasts a seven-storey minaret and an open space for the people to enjoy the view of the sea before and after sunset.

Funding for the project comes from federal and state governments.

Tanjung Bungah Village Safety and Security Committee (JKKKK) chairman Haji Abdul Jalil Ariffin said the mosque would attract local and foreign tourists. “It is the first of its kind in Malaysia. The mosques in Kuala Ibai, Kuala Terengganu, and in Putrajaya are built on lakes,” he said.

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