By Janice Heng, The Sunday Times, 8 Mar 2015
Construction has begun on the new Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands, which will be able to accommodate up to 4,500 worshippers when ready by the end of next year.
"This is a mosque they've been waiting for a very long time because of the capacity that's needed," said Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, at the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday.
The only other mosque in the area is An-Nur Mosque in Admiralty Road. Located at Woodlands Drive 17, the new mosque is named after Singapore's first president.
In a Facebook post last night, Dr Yaacob said: "This is one of the ways in which we are honouring our first president, for his distinguished contributions to Singapore especially his role in promoting harmonious relations in our multi-racial nation."
Post by Lee Hsien Loong.
The only other mosque in the area is An-Nur Mosque in Admiralty Road. Located at Woodlands Drive 17, the new mosque is named after Singapore's first president.
In a Facebook post last night, Dr Yaacob said: "This is one of the ways in which we are honouring our first president, for his distinguished contributions to Singapore especially his role in promoting harmonious relations in our multi-racial nation."
The mosque's design puts a modern twist on elements of traditional Malay architecture, such as eaves, a verandah and decorative ventilation panels. Costing $17.56 million to build, it is funded by the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund. Separately, the Mosque Building Committee aims to raise $2.5 million for interior fittings and furnishing. So far, $1.8 million has been raised.
Mr Yusof's widow Puan Noor Aishah, who was also at the ground-breaking ceremony, said in Malay: "I thank the community for all their support."
The mosque will reach out to other communities and build ties with its neighbours, such as an upcoming community hospital, said Dr Yaacob. "For example, we can do health screening together with the hospital here."
The mosque will reach out to other communities and build ties with its neighbours, such as an upcoming community hospital, said Dr Yaacob. "For example, we can do health screening together with the hospital here."
The new mosque is a short walk from the home of Mr Rohaizad Haji Juri, 34, who said: "I'm very excited to see what it has to offer.
"I'd like to see it integrate the various communities."
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