Accra:Sarawak Nearly two decades after the late Amnah Ayup's triumph, Nur Syakura Mohamad Musa has won the female reciter category at the 66th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA), continuing her mentor's legacy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur Syakura, 31, attributes her success to the guidance of Amnah, whom she admired greatly. She also acknowledged the support of her family and teachers, as well as the encouragement and prayers from those around her.

Nur Syakura secured the top spot with 91.83 points, surpassing Singapore's A'tiiqah Suhaimi, who scored 91.00 points, and Brunei's Dayangku Siti Ummi Syazana Pengiran Marjuki, who scored 90.83 points. Her journey in Quranic recitation began at the age of seven under her father's guidance and progressed with the help of various teachers.

The final two months leading to the competition were notably difficult for Nur Syakura due to the haze in Sarawak, which affected her voice. On the night of the competition, she had to adjust her melodic recitation techniques to accommodate a slightly hoarse voice.

Looking to the future, Nur Syakura aims to expand her Quranic knowledge and share her skills with the community, focusing on Sarawak. Malaysia also achieved additional successes at the event, with Cik Hasnul Taqiyuddin Cik Sazali finishing second in the male reciter category and Muhammad Izzul Afnan Sazali securing third place in the male Quran memorisation category.

The 66th MTHQA, themed 'MADANI Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati', featured 50 participants from 38 countries. The closing ceremony was officiated by Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), with other dignitaries in attendance.