New Islamic mosque inaugurated in Kratie Province

A newly constructed Islamic mosque, funded by the Emaan Foundation Cambodia, has been inaugurated yesterday in the O’ Krieng Senchey district of Kratie province.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information and Head of the Royal Government Working Group for Kratie Province, alongside Shaharuddin Onn, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and was attended by provincial leaders, representatives of the Emaan Foundation Cambodia, and over 600 local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Pheaktra highlighted that this newly built mosque represents another significant development in O’ Krieng Senchey, one of Kratie’s newly established districts. He emphasised that the mosque would serve as a vital religious space for Cambodian Muslims residing in O’ Krieng commune and surrounding areas.

The minister urged the local Muslim community to maintain and protect the mosque, which was made possible through the generous contributions of donors.

He also praised Cambodia’s progress in peacebuilding and national reconciliation, noting that the country’s “win-win policy,” initiated by former Prime Minister Samdech Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, played a crucial role in achieving lasting peace and national unity. Pheaktra reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to religious harmony, which has been widely recognised and admired by the international community.

He called on Cambodian citizens to continue fostering national unity and safeguarding peace, stating that these are fundamental to ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

For his part, Mohd Kahliab Bin Zainal Abidin, founder of the Emaan Foundation Cambodia and representative of the donors, revealed that the mosque, named “Matapita Najim Riyal Mosque,” is located in Sre Ampil village, O’ Krieng commune, O’ Krieng Senchey district, Kratie province.

The structure, measuring 10 metres in width and 15 metres in length, was built using reinforced concrete.

Construction commenced on 1st January 2024 and was completed in April 2024, with a total cost of US$69,671, donated by philanthropists from Singapore.

Shaharuddin Onn, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, commended the Cambodian government’s efforts in nation-building and development. He expressed great satisfaction in participating in the mosque’s inauguration and highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Malaysia.

The ambassador also emphasised that this initiative reflects not only the good relations between the two governments but also strong people-to-people connections. The event underscored Cambodia’s commitment to religious tolerance and community development, as well as the growing cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia in supporting social and humanitarian initiatives. AKP