PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today officiated the opening of Nasyrul Al-Quran Complex, the world largest Quran production centre after Madinah, at Presint 14, here.
"The main purpose of building this Quran production and printing centre is not to compete with any countries. We respect Madinah as the largest Quran printing centre in the world.
"This is part of our effort to highlight Malaysia as a country that practices 'wassatiyyah' (moderation) and contribution towards the development of Islam.
"This centre will print at least one million copies of Quran annually, where 70 per cent will be used for domestically and another 30 per cent for wakaf (endowment) for Muslim minorities in other countries," he said in his speech during the launch.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the effort also reflected the government's commitment in upholding the religion.
The construction of the RM60 million complex started in July 2015 and was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The complex also comprised exhibition galleries, skills training spaces, meeting rooms, surau, cafeteria, printing viewing gallery of the printing process and administration and management offices.
Located on a 2.09ha site, the project was carried out by the government and Restu Foundation, with support from the Prime Minister's Department, Finance Ministry, Home Ministry, Putrajaya Corporation, Malaysia Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Islamic Council.