Barriers in managing mosque facilities: towards sustainable facilities management approach

Abstract

This paper present on the preliminary findings from a pilot project which sought to explore the issue related to managing mosque facilities. Mosque function is known as the place of worship which supported by Islamic programme that meet the needs of religion. While refer to Islamic studies, the philosophy of mosque has been argue that the mosque is developed not only as the place to perform the worship, but also aiming as the nucleus for community development in various aspects. This argument has brought an inspiration to the mosque management to uplift and sustain its multi-functionality concept in today modernisation era. However, in order to comprehend to this inspiration, thus it is potential for the contribution of facilities management. Based on newspaper article and observation, there are some issues have risen related to mosque facilities in terms of its hygiene, space, location, infrastructure, program, etc. Thus, this paper needs to explore the barrier in managing mosque facilities in direction to have some improvements. A focus group was conducted with mosque management committee in regard to draw upon respondents' difficulties experiences in managing mosque facilities and sustaining its function effectively and efficiently. The finding demonstrated that lack of staff and financial, lack of knowledge and expertise, and lack of external collaboration are the main issues that contribute the performance of mosque facilities. The paper recommends that the diversity of the facilities management (FM) role and its contribution makes to the success of organisation. Overwhelming for sustainable facilities management (SFM) practice benefits in achieving sustainable mosque facilities and hence furthers the sustainability agenda.