EFFORTS TO PRESERVE LABUAN MOSQUE FOR HISTORY

LABUAN (Malaysia), Jan 19 (BERNAMA) -- Labuan's oldest mosque may not be
demolished after all, to make way for road expansion by the Public Works
Department (JKR).

This follows protests by villagers who want Masjid Jamek Adam Kampung Lajau
in this Federal Territory to be preserved, instead.

The mosque, which is over 40 years old, was declared open by first prime
minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on Dec 16, 1967.

A local official who declined to be named, said the issue would be resolved
amicably, and that the mosque be retained for its historical value.

In late 2008, the Federal Territory Fatwa Council had given its approval for
the mosque's demolition -- only when the new mosque was completed.

It is learnt that the new mosque would be built on a plot of land to be
acquired within Kampung Lajau under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 (Act 486).

Labuan Member of Parliament Yussof Mahal said local authorities must conduct
a thorough study and review the proposed demolition.

He suggested that the old mosque be turned into a centre for religious
knowledge or library.
-- BERNAMA