By Amirul Salam Hasan, Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has strengthened its role in preserving the national Mushaf Al-Quran by printing 5,000 copies of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Mushaf for distribution to 20 public universities, following an endowment ceremony officiated by the Sultan of Terengganu in collaboration with Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad.

His Royal Highness’s presence at the ceremony underscored the continued support of the royal institution in upholding the Al-Quran as a primary source of knowledge and guidance for the ummah’s development and the strengthening of Islamic civilisational values in the country.

UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said the university is committed to leveraging its researchers’ expertise to ensure that intellectual heritage related to the Al-Quran is preserved for society and future generations.

While UMT is widely recognised as a leader in marine and ocean sciences research, he added that the university also plays an important role in research related to manuscripts and Mushaf Al-Quran as part of the nation’s Islamic heritage.

“Through the expertise of our researchers, efforts in the preservation, documentation, and dissemination of the Mushaf Al-Quran are carried out continuously to ensure its relevance and benefit to society,” he said.

An additional 1,600 copies were sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for nationwide distribution through the Jom Exchange Quran programme. This initiative supports the campaign “Towards Zero Uncertified Qurans,” which aims to ensure the use of mushaf that comply with printing standards and textual accuracy in line with current regulations.

The ceremony also coincided with UMT’s 25th anniversary. Over the years, the university has not only been recognised as a leading institution in marine research but has also actively contributed to preserving Islamic heritage through research and knowledge transfer to society. UMT’s research on the Royal Terengganu Mushaf Al-Quran has previously been recognised as National Heritage and is currently in the process of nomination as a UNESCO Memory of the World heritage.

As a key strategic partner, Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad contributed RM375,000 in amal jariah funds to realise the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Mushaf Endowment Project. Its Chief Executive Officer, Zafri Ab Halim, said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to supporting knowledge empowerment and community development based on Islamic values.

He added that between 2020 and 2025, Etiqa Takaful channelled RM12.71 million in business zakat and amal jariah funds in Terengganu to support various welfare, education, and community development initiatives.

Through the implementation of these knowledge-based initiatives, UMT continues to reinforce its position as a centre of research excellence that not only drives academic development but also directly benefits society while upholding the sanctity of the Al-Quran as the foundation of national civilisation.