Shah Alam, Selangor, February 8, 2024 – The Selangor State Mufti Department has invited representatives from the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP) and the Islamic Center at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for a site visit and discussions related to the disposal of the calligraphy panels on the dome of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum in Shah Alam. A total of six researchers and officers from INTROP and the Islamic Center attended the visit and discussions, led by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khalina Abdan, the Director of INTROP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff (Head of Biopolymer and Derivatives Laboratory), Mr. Mohd Ashadie Kusno (Research Officer), Mr. Mohd Lufti Mohd Tawil (Science Officer), Mr. Mohd Hafizie Manap (Assistant Science Officer), and Ustaz Mohd Alif Mursyid Husry (Assistant Registrar for Religious Affairs).

The 20-year-old calligraphy panels on the mosque’s dome were specially commissioned from Germany. They contain a segment of verses 18-19 from The Qur’an Surah At-Taubah, beginning with the phrase “Bismillahirrohmanirrohim”. As a result of the visit, UPM has identified the panel joints containing the phrase, but the quantity of plates found is not fully complete, rendering the phrase incomplete.

During the site visit, INTROP conducted field tests for pre-treatment in the process of disposing of the calligraphy panels. Among the tests carried out were the use of high-concentration alkaline and acid agents to bleach the colour and writing on the calligraphy panels. However, the imprints remained relatively stable and were not successfully faded. INTROP is currently collaborating with other partners, including those from abroad, to find suitable pre-treatment methods for the purpose of disposal.

May the collaborative efforts and management between UPM and the Sultan Alam Shah Museum benefit all parties and the community at large.

Date of Input: 25/03/2024 | Updated: 25/03/2024 | amallina.osman