By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, AUG 27 : The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) maintains its ruling for worshippers to bring their own prayer mats when attending the mosques or suraus to perform the congregational Friday and obligatory prayers.
Jais director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said Selangor also maintains its restrictions not to allow unfamiliar foreigners including those who seldom come for congregational prayers to join the congregational prayers at the mosques and suraus to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Meanwhile, only familiar foreigners recognised by the mosque or surau authorities, are allowed to perform the congregational Friday and obligatory prayers yet they are still subjected to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“This decision was made to minimise the risk of a new outbreak originating from mosque and surau activities. This regulation will continue to be enforced up to a certain period which will be announced soon,” Mohd Shahzihan said in a statement today.
According to Mohd Shahzihan, all mosques and suraus are given the operational relaxation, including for any religious activities, in accordance to the 1.5-meter social distancing based on its maximum capacity starting from July 1.
“Mosques and suraus’ administrators have to provide access and appropriate facilities to cater to various congregations including for travellers (musafir) so they may perform their prayers properly. They may close the doors to visitors once the congregation has reached its maximum number of people,” he said.
On August 25, the National Security Council (MKN) decided to ease the rule for worshippers to bring their own prayer mats and allow foreigners to join the congregational prayers at mosques and suraus starting September 1.
