KUCHING: The state government is planning to establish an astronomy centre in the Pantai Damai area to promote the study of astronomy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the centre is an important attraction for youths to study space science.
He said the state government is working with the Sarawak Mufti Department to develop the centre.
“We already have an astronomy centre in Miri which was completed in July last year. There is another one in Bintulu, but it is still under construction.
“If Sarawak’s economy improves, we will develop an astronomy centre in the Pantai Damai area,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony for the national-level Liqa’ Mahabbah between Mufti Departments at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the state will also continue promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young people as this will increase and contribute to the state’s competitiveness, especially in its digital economy transformation agenda.
“Sarawak is maximising the mastery of the latest knowledge in governing the state, and this includes implementing digital economy initiatives using current technology.
“So far, our children have taken strides in STEM to master the latest knowledge. With this, I believe we can begin to transform the way we manage the state’s economy,” he said.
As Sarawak strives to develop its digital economy, Abang Johari said knowledge from Islamic scholars continues to guide him and the state leaders in the state’s administration.
For the record, a total of 14 Mufti departments throughout Malaysia participated in the Liqa’ Mahabbah comprising 11 events including indoor sports.
The Mufti Department of Sarawak won the overall title while the Mufti Department of Selangor came in second, and Mufti Department of Negeri Sembilan, third.
Also present were the Premier’s wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin, and Sarawak Islamic Council chairman Datuk Misnu Taha.
