The opening of mosques for prayers will follow the guidelines of the federal government, but some flexibilities are allowed in Penang, said state mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor.
Wan Salim (above) said in principle, Penang complies with Putrajaya's ruling on not allowing foreigners to attend prayers.
"But we also leave it to the respective mosque committees to decide and to use their own discretion if they need to allow any Muslim foreigners to attend congregational prayers in their mosques," Wan Salim told Malaysiakini.
"They can be allowed to do so with the right justification," he added.
Wan Salim was asked to respond to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's announcement on big mosques allowed to reopen to the public as long as they can maintain social distancing within the mosque.
However, Ismail clarified that his announcement did not involve foreigners.
Ismail (photo) had cited the high number of Covid-19 cases among foreigners as the reason for the exclusion.
Meanwhile, Wan Salim said there are several mosques in Penang especially those in industrial areas that are populated by Muslim foreigners.
These areas include those in the mainland like Taman Pelangi and Sungai Tiram.
"Perhaps, mosque committees in the areas have an understanding with the local communities with regard to mosque activities," Wan Salim said.
"This is why we need a flexible approach to maintain a good relationship between local and foreign Muslim communities.
"Such an approach is to be decided by the respective mosque leadership," Wan Salim clarified.
Congregational and Friday prayers were only limited to 30 people but Ismail later said that a meeting, joined by the religious affairs minister, had agreed in principle that the number should be based on the size of the particular mosque. - Mkini
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