Al-Islah, which means to transform and reform, was unveiled as the new name for the upcoming Punggol mosque - to symbolise its role in changing and uplifting the lives of those around it.

The name was announced on Saturday by Singapore's Mufti Mohamed Fatris Bakaram at Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque held at its proposed building site - an open field at the junction of Punggol Place and Punggol Field.

At the ceremony, the Mufti also determined the kiblah - the direction Muslims turn to when praying.

Speaking to reporters, guest of honour and Minister in Charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said he was confident the mosque would be able to run programmes, both religious and welfare-based, to benefit the community in Punggol.

Al-Islah mosque, to be built on a site measuring 2,500 sq m, will consist three open blocks that will have natural ventilation and daylighting. The mosque can take up to 4,500 worshippers.

Construction work on Al-Islah mosque is scheduled to be completed by early 2015.