By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, June 11 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has decreed to lift the restrictions on congregational daily and Friday prayers at 39 mosques across the state effective June 12.
Private secretary to the Sultan, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, in a statement today said the number of people allowed to join the prayers has been increased from 12 to 40 people, which does not include the mosque’s officials and committee members.
“Permission cards will be distributed to the 40 people allowed to attend the Friday prayers. For those who are not able to join the Friday prayers are required to replace it with Zuhur (afternoon) prayers at their respective premises.
“Congregational prayers are only allowed for Subuh (morning) prayers, Maghrib (sunset) prayers, and Isyak (night) prayers at the 39 mosques with 40 attendees, excluding the mosque’s officials and committee members,” he said in the statement today.
Mohamad Munir, however, said congregational prayers are still restricted at the suraus except for the three surau’s officials allowed.
He said those attending the mass prayers must adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines that have been outlined by the National Security Council (NSC) and the Health Ministry (MOH).
He said the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) will fully enforce the said guidelines.
“His Royal Highness will keep up with the latest developments and monitor closely the effectiveness of the guidelines imposed before deciding on reopening more mosques and suraus to the public in Selangor,” he said.
On June 1, Sultan Sharafuddin had extended the restrictions on Friday prayers in the state till June 30, where only 39 mosques in the state were allowed to conduct the prayers under strict conditions.
However, the directive issued today was decided with the advice from the state Mufti’s office, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and Jais, based on the recent developments on the Covid-19 outbreak.
