Ahlul Bayt News Agency, MELAKA, Malaysia -- Numan Pimbayaya, 27, from the Philippines and Suraya Abu Hasan, 39, from Johor emerged winners at the inaugural Malay World Islamic World Quran Reading Competition here last night.
Numan beat 12 other contestants to lift the men's title while Suraya, a Quran teacher, brushed aside 14 other contestants for the women's title.
The first runner-up in the men's category was Melaka's Azraie Abdul Hak and the second runner-up, Pahang's Zulhyimi Mohamed.
Raziati Mohd Ali from Terengganu was the first runner-up in the women's category while Pahang's Siti Husna Hassan, the second runner-up.
Seven foreign male and nine female reciters in the competition were from the Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand and China.
The winners received RM10,000 each, first runners-up RM7,000 and third runners-up RM5,000.
The male category prizes were presented by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob while the female category by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Seri Utama Zurina Kassim.
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