SANDAKAN: The Sabah Ummah Energy Initiative (ITUS) was officially launched through the Rehlah Nur Al-Quran programme at Masjid Datuk Pengiran Galpam on Friday.
The launch ceremony was officiated by ITUS Patron, Ahmad Tarmizi Abdul Rahman.
Speaking to the media, Ahmad said ITUS is a green energy initiative established to assist mosques and suraus, particularly in Sabah, in addressing issues such as electricity supply disruptions, high utility costs, outdated wiring systems, and limitations in implementing digital dakwah and community activities.
He explained that through the implementation of a solar energy system complete with battery storage, ITUS also focuses on ensuring that mosque operations run steadily and continuously, including for the call to prayer (azan), prayers, religious lectures, water pumps, sanitation, as well as ICT and internet facilities.
In addition, the initiative aims to transform mosques into “Green Mosques” that utilise sustainable energy, while helping to reduce electricity costs and strengthen the role of mosques as centres of worship, knowledge, and community development.
He added that ITUS is not merely an energy project, but an effort to revive the role of mosques through the use of technology that directly benefits society.
Meanwhile, Ahmad, representing ITUS, expressed appreciation to the Masjid Datuk Pengiran Galpam Chairman Datuk Pengiran Abdul Rahman Datuk Pengiran Galpam, for his support and cooperation in making the launch of the initiative a success and for becoming the first mosque in Sabah to use solar energy.
During the same press conference, Abdul Rahman also expressed his gratitude and welcomed the initiative.
Apart from Masjid Datuk Pengiran Galpam, the implementation of ITUS also involves several other locations in Sandakan, namely Masjid Haji Hud and Masjid Darus Salam, as well as the district mosque in Kinabatangan and Surau Abu Bakar As Siddiq.
The initiative is also understood to have received support from the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Sabah (JHEAINS) and is expected to be expanded to all 39 mosques and suraus in the Kinabatangan district.
ITUS is implemented through a community collaboration approach without involving any costs to the mosques, through support from community donations (infaq ummah), energy endowments (wakaf tenaga), zakat, and strategic cooperation among various parties.
