PETALING JAYA: Guidelines by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council (MAIK) were followed in the demolition of the Surau Al-Mikraj at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Baru, Kelantan, says the Transport Ministry.

       The surau, which had to be demolished due to expansion works at the airport, will be replaced with bigger and more comfortable prayer rooms in 14 locations at the terminal area.

       Addressing concerns on social media, the ministry assured that the demolition of the surau had been carried out based on an agreement, procedures and rulings decided by the MAIK, especially on the method of managing the waqf property of materials containing the holy verses of the Quran and Khat Art.

       The ministry also said it upheld the decree of Kelantan Ruler Sultan Muhammad V, who ordered that all concrete materials removed from the surau to be handed over to Masjid Telipot, Kota Baru, while reusable materials to be given to MAIK before being distributed to Kampung Laut Mosque, Kota Baru.

       "The ministry is implementing a project to expand and upgrade the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, including the expansion of the terminal building to meet the needs of up to four million passengers a year.

       "The project aims to increase the level of comfort at the airport, meet the efficiency requirements of aviation operations, as well as improve security there.

       "Following the expansion, Surau Al-Mikraj had to be demolished but will be replaced with the construction of a new and comfortable surau at 14 locations," it said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 1).

       The total area of the new surau provided would be 560sq m, which could accommodate up to 500 worshipers at one time.

       It added that the ministry took great care in addressing sensitive issues involving religious and cultural diversity in the country.

       "The ministry would like to thank all parties for their cooperation in implementing the project and hope that the explanation can answer the queries raised," it said.