FLOOD-AFFECTED MAHMUDI MELOR MOSQUE NEEDS RM4.7 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR UPGRADING

By Habsah Ismail

KOTA BHARU, March 28 (Bernama) -- Masjid Mahmudi Mukim Kedai Melor, which suffered significant damage due to the floods at the end of November last year, requires RM4.7 million in funding for upgrading works to ensure that worshippers can perform their prayers comfortably.

The mosque's senior Imam, Wan Ziadul Khair Wan Mustafha, said that to date, they have received donations amounting to approximately RM200,000 since the fundraising campaign began in November last year, immediately after the floods.

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“The most significant difficulty we face is that every time there is a flood, usually once or twice a year, the water rises to calf height inside the mosque, causing severe damage to the carpets and cupboards.

“After a unanimous discussion with the higher committee and the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK), we decided to upgrade the mosque,” he told Bernama at the mosque today.

The upgrading work involves raising the floor level by up to 1.8 meters, above the water level, as the mosque is located just 150 metres from the Melor River.

Wan Ziadul said that the demolition work on the oldest mosque in Melor, which had been around since 1959, had begun as early as December last year.

He said that the mosque is situated between two major road developments, including the FT 003 Route Upgrade Project from the Melor-Ketereh Junction to Kampung Pak Badol (KM19.75-KM 2305), and is also near the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

“According to the plans from the appointed contractor, the mosque will feature a contemporary architectural design. If the funds are sufficient, taking into account the facilities and comfort of the worshippers, we intend to include high-tech facilities, including the installation of an escalator to assist the elderly and disabled individuals,” he added.

Meanwhile, the mosque’s treasurer, Ahmad Fauzi Mustapha, said that the mosque is not only a place of worship but also serves as a centre for religious education and community welfare activities.

“Study classes and religious lectures are held every day, and it is also the main venue for breaking fast and performing Tarawih prayers during Ramadan.

“However, this time around, we are temporarily using tents and the women’s building due to ongoing construction,” he said.

Ahmad Fauzi added that the mosque is hoped to continue being a symbol of community unity in the area, and the restoration efforts are expected to ensure that it remains a centre for worship and religious education for future generations.

Those wishing to help can contribute through donations or infaq via the Bank Islam account 0301 8010 0670 89, under the name Masjid Mahmudi Melor.

-- BERNAMA