His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday performed the first Friday prayers at the new Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Malik Mosque in Kampong Tungku/Katok.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman. His Majesty consented to sign on the commemorative plaque, upon which three calls of 'Allahu Akbar' were made by congregants at the mosque, led the Minister of Religious Affairs.

His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The monarch was also greeted on arrival by Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials, as well as the congregants.

The Friday sermon was delivered by the Deputy State Mufti, Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Awg Suhaili bin Hj Mohiddin, who highlighted the recent helicopter crash and how the benevolent ruler has shown his care for the nation and people.

The Deputy State Mufti also explained the number of Rakaat in Tarawikh prayers, which is 20 Rakaat.

The new mosque, constructed as part of the National Development Plan 2007-2012, can accommodate up to 1,000 congregants. It began construction on November 19, 2011 and was completed on July 9, this year.

At the conclusion of the mass Friday prayer, congregants lined up to greet His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Among the facilities available at the new mosque are separate prayer halls for men and women, a mosque officer's room, VIP room, library and IT rooms, lecture rooms, a room for funerary rites, and separate ablution areas for men and women. - Borneo Bulletin (28 July 2012)