Kuala lumpur: Islamic community centres should serve as more than just places of worship, by being inclusive spaces that unite people from diverse backgrounds, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im emphasized the potential of these centres to nurture interfaith relations, strengthen community ties, and create opportunities for personal growth. At the launch of the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) Islamic Community Centre (TICC), he described the ideal centre as a place that fosters mutual understanding and provides opportunities for learning, skill-building, and support.

He further elaborated on the vision of a community centre as a welcoming space where hearts are connected, people of varied backgrounds feel included, and enduring friendships are formed. The launch event was also attended by Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil and TRX City Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer Datuk Azmar Talib.

Mohd Na’im highlighted the historical significance of mosques as community centres that have played pivotal roles in governance, learning, and social development. He urged that the same spirit should be evident in modern Islamic community centres. By offering educational programmes, skills training, and welfare activities, these centres could enrich society while embodying values of compassion and service to humanity.

Additionally, Mohd Na’im called on relevant authorities to expedite the approval process for TICC to be recognized as a permanent Friday prayer venue. Currently, TICC, which can accommodate more than 1,000 people, serves only as a temporary site for Friday prayers since last year.