Tarawih prayers, ‘buka puasa’ events allowed this Ramadan

 

Tarawih prayers must be split into two sessions, from 9pm to 10.30pm, and from 10.30pm to midnight, says senior minister for security. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Tarawih prayers and other religious activities will be allowed to be held during the fasting season, which is expected to begin tomorrow.

Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, however, that organisers must adhere to the standard operating procedures.

This, he said, includes observing social distancing and limiting the number of participants.

He also said that breaking of fast or “buka puasa” events, including buffets at hotels, will be allowed.

Tarawih prayers must be split into two sessions, from 9pm to 10.30pm, and from 10.30pm to midnight.

Foreigners will also be allowed to take part, he said.

He also said that breaking of fast or “buka puasa” events, including buffets at restaurants and coffee houses in hotels, will be allowed.

Ismail said that while activities at mosque and suraus are allowed during the fasting month, it was up to the religious authorities in the respective states to set the SOPs.

“I am made to understand that some states have already announced their SOPs,” he said at a press conference.

Ismail said while the federal government had set the SOPs, the individual states could, at their discretion, decide to tighten them. However they could not relax rules set at the federal level.

“But they should adhere to the federal SOP to avoid confusion.”

Ismail also said food premises and delivery services will be allowed to extend their operating hours until 6am to accommodate those who will be taking their pre-dawn meals.

Prior to this such premises were only allowed to operate until 12 midnight.

Eateries in malls will be allowed to follow the operating hours of the premises.

“This rule will only apply during Ramadan,” he said. - FMT