PEKAN: THE green technology mosque in Universiti Malaysia Pahang will be the latest landmark for the higher learning institution in this royal town.
Apart from housing the Islamic Centre and the Human Development Centre, the mosque complex would be equipped with an administrative office, meeting rooms, seminar halls, lecture rooms, nursery, library and other facilities.
UMP vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the mosque complex, to be built near the UMP lake, would be a source of tranquillity to visitors and those using the facility upon completion.
He said the mosque, located on a 3ha area, would be designed based on eco-friendly features, with the latest green technology applications, and would not have air conditioners.
“The fin design concept takes into account the wind direction and air ventilation which will help keep the prayer area, which can accommodate 3,500 worshippers at a time, cool.
“Islamic concepts, along with local elements, will be adopted in the pitched roof design, while the main roof, made from aluminium, reveals the exclusivity of the mosque made with materials that tackle corrosion problems.”
He said other features included cross-ventilation and sustainable architectural elements with natural lighting.
Daing said that apart from emphasising a comfortable space for worship, UMP would provide space for socio-economic development. Booths (kiosks) will be offered to increase funds for the construction of the mosque.
“Socio-culture and education facilities, including Al-Quran and Fardu Ain classes, will be offered. An Islamic treatment centre will cater for those experiencing spiritual problems.”
He said the mosque was expected to be completed in 2019, and would replace the existing place of worship on the campus.
Daing said UMP was grateful to the government for approving RM20 million to build the mosque.
He said UMP employees and students were seeking to secure additional funds to build the mosque’s 45m tall minaret, as well as to complete its physical work.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also the Pekan member of Parliament, was scheduled to launch the construction of the UMP mosque complex at noon tomorrow.
He will also attend the Syawal Celebration with UMP staff that same day.