Prayers without physical distancing not discussed in most states

Congregational prayer activities in mosques and surau that can be performed without physical distancing during the 'Transition to Endemic' phase which begins April 1, has yet to be discussed in most states.

In Kedah, Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department director Mohd Yusri Md Daud said the new ruling on the matter was subject to the consent of Kedah ruler Sultan Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.

"A meeting to determine the matter has not yet been held," he said.

In Perak, Perak Islamic Religious Department director Mohd Yusop Husin said discussions on the matter would be held in the near future, and the decisions made would be announced later.

In Penang, the president of the Penang Islamic Religious Council Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also a deputy chief minister, said although discussions had not yet been held, the council was, in principle, ready to follow the recommendation.

"We have not yet made a decision on activities at mosques and surau without physical distancing, but in principle, if that is recommended, we will follow the lead," he said.

In Terengganu, state Human Development, Dakwah, and Information Committee chairperson Mohd Nor Hamzah said the decision on removing physical distancing requirement for congregational prayers in all mosques and surau in the state had not been decided.

He stressed it could only be determined with the consent of Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

In Perlis, Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairperson Ruzaini Rais said the state government was awaiting the consent of the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail regarding the matter.

In Sarawak, the minister in charge of Islamic affairs Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the ruling on congregational prayers without physical distancing had not yet been discussed by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS).

He said, for now, the standard operating procedure regarding prayer activities at mosques and surau in Sarawak issued by MIS effective Jan 7, was still in effect.

Meanwhile, in Pahang, Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council chief executive officer Ahmad Hairi Hussain when contacted said the matter had been discussed, and details would be made known to the public no later than next week.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday announced congregational prayer activities in mosques and surau, as well as prayer ceremonies in non-Muslim houses of worship, could be carried out without physical distancing during the “Transition to Endemic” Phase, which begins April 1.

He said, however, its implementation and final SOP for mosques or surau were subject to the decision of the respective state religious authorities.

- Bernama