Kelantan to host for national Quran reading competition

KOTA BARU: The 56th national Quran reading competition is slated to be held at the Balai Islam here on May 2-6, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

Jamil Khir, who is joint chairman of the organising committee, said 30 reciters  comprising 15 men and 15 women would participate in their respective categories. Kelantan will be sending a woman participant for the first time since 1990 after the state government withdrew its ban on women taking part in the competition last year.

"Winners in the men and women categories will take home a Proton Preve each courtesy of Lembaga Tabung Haji, beside other prizes," he said. Over the years, the prizes for winners are RM15,000 each plus a package for haj pilgrimage, a trophy and other prizes.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to officiate the opening ceremony while Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V has been named to close the event.

-nst online.