By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, March 12 — Selangor’s prosperity is firmly rooted in its cultural diversity and interfaith harmony, said state executive councillor for Islam and Innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, who stressed that this social cohesion must be vigilantly preserved.
Speaking at Masjid As-Sajidin in Batang Kali yesterday, Fahmi called on the Muslim community to embrace Islam’s teachings of religious tolerance, urging all Selangor residents to continue fostering the state’s longstanding tradition of inclusivity.
“We must honour and respect other faiths and not ridicule them. If such behaviour starts, it will only lead to prolonged discord.
“This unity is what makes Selangor prosperous and progressive. Strength lies in diversity, and maintaining harmony within that diversity is essential,” he said during the state’s Kembara Masjid (Kemas) programme held at the aforementioned mosque.
Meanwhile, Fahmi also explained the importance of understanding the real issues affecting local mosques.
He explained that the Kemas initiative allows the government to go beyond official reports and directly assess the conditions of mosques, from their infrastructure needs to their historical significance.
“Rather than just receiving reports, it is better to visit and understand the real issues on the ground. When you go and see for yourself, only then do you realise how severe the problems are,” Fahmi said.
The programme also aims to showcase the cultural and historical aspects of mosques that often go unnoticed.
“Most people know about the state mosque, but many historic mosques in rural areas with deep significance remain largely unknown.
“By drawing attention to these sites, we hope to create awareness and interest, especially among the youth,” he said.
The Kemas initiative was held at the Hulu Selangor district today in collaboration with the Hulu Selangor District Islamic Religious Office and Masjid Kampung Melayu Rasa’s committee.
The event brought together members of the local community, who joined the sahur and congregational Subuh prayers with some 300 residents attending.
Fahmi, who led the programme, provided financial assistance of RM100 each to 50 asnaf (tithe recipients) families and pocket money for 150 school students during the event.
He also announced a RM5,000 allocation to repair the mosque’s minaret, which has suffered significant structural damage.
He revealed that Selangor has some 440 mosques and over 2,000 suraus under the purview of the state administration.
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State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (front, third from right) attends the Kembara Masjid programme at Masjid As-Sajidin in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, on March 12, 2025. — Picture by PEJABAT EXCO AGAMA ISLAM DAN PEMBUDAYAAN INOVASI SELANGOR[/caption]
Fahmi said that younger generations must be encouraged to visit their local mosques for prayers and to build stronger bonds with the elders.
“We want to encourage more interaction between the young and the old at mosques because often, it is the elderly who frequent them.
“If young people can see what they can learn and how they can work together, we can further enrich and strengthen these sacred spaces,” he said.
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State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (second row, eight from left) with congregants during the Kembara Masjid programme at Masjid As-Sajidin in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, on March 12, 2025. — Picture by PEJABAT EXCO AGAMA ISLAM DAN PEMBUDAYAAN INOVASI SELANGOR[/caption]
