Toh Puan (fourth left) presents one of the awards to a recipient, witnessed by Tun (third left), Abang Johari (second left) and others.
MIRI (June 17): The spirit of hijrah (migration) should serve as a catalyst for Sarawak’s development transformation as the state moves towards a knowledge-based economy, digital technology and green energy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Maal Hijrah celebration is not merely the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar but also a reminder to Muslims of the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad SAW from Makkah to Madinah, a pivotal event that marked a major turning point in the history of Islamic civilisation.
According to him, the hijrah teaches that significant change requires courage, unity, wisdom and sacrifice, as well as the determination to overcome weaknesses and build a better future.
“The theme of this year’s Maal Hijrah celebration, ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’ (A Progressive and Prosperous Ummah), is highly relevant to current needs as it calls on Muslims to become a progressive, knowledgeable, ethical and competitive community while remaining firmly guided by Islamic values,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M at the Miri City Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday.
The celebration was attended by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) chairman Datuk Misnu Taha; senior ministers, deputy ministers, heads of state and federal departments, and community leaders.
Abang Johari said that, in the context of Sarawak, the state is currently undergoing a significant development transformation through the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He noted that Sarawak is transitioning from a traditional economy to one driven by innovation, digital technology and green energy, with the goal of becoming a high-income, inclusive and sustainable region by 2030.
He also stressed that Sarawak is emerging as one of the region’s leaders in the green economy through the implementation of the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap 2035, which forms the foundation of efforts to position the state as a hub for clean hydrogen and future energy in Southeast Asia.
“This demonstrates that Sarawak is not only adapting to global changes but is also striving to lead those changes,” he said.
In addition, he said the development of a modern transportation system based on green technology, such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), will strengthen urban mobility while symbolising the state’s technological advancement.
According to him, Sarawak is also continuing to advance its digital economy agenda, semiconductor industry development, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and the development of a highly skilled workforce as key drivers of future economic growth.
Tun Dr Wan Junaidi presents the Ma’al Hijrah Award to one of the recipients, witnessed by Toh Puan (third right), Abang Johari (fourth left) and others.
Abang Johari explained that all these achievements reflect the true meaning of hijrah, moving from convention to innovation, from dependence on traditional resources to exploring new opportunities, and from being technology users to becoming technology creators.
“The development of the ‘ummah’ must go hand in hand with economic development. We need a generation that excels not only academically and professionally but also possesses integrity, trustworthiness and noble character,” he said.
Abang Johari also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Islamic Council, Islamic agencies, mosques, suraus, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and ‘dakwah’ institutions for their important role in strengthening the development of the ummah in the state.
He said efforts to enhance Islamic education, human capital development, zakat and waqaf management, community welfare and the empowerment of mosque institutions should continue to be strengthened in order to produce a progressive and resilient Muslim community.
Abang Johari also called on Muslims to embrace the spirit of hijrah as motivation to change for the better by strengthening unity, pursuing excellence and creating more development opportunities.
