‘Takbir raya’ at mosques, surau allowed in Phase 2 states

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allowed takbir raya at mosques and surau in areas that have moved to Phase 2 of the movement control under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), in announcing the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Aidiladha celebration yesterday, said Aidiladha prayers and sermons, as well as animal sacrifices, were also allowed subject to SOP and permission from state religious authorities.

However, it said, house-tohouse takbir raya, feasts after Aidiladha prayers, visiting programmes, visiting of graves, open houses, as well as other Aidiladha ceremonies were not allowed.

Muslims in the country will celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on Tuesday.

So far, eight states had transitioned to Phase 2 of the movement control under NRP, namely Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

Jakim said to contain the spread of infections, the number of congregants allowed in mosques and surau had been limited, and the management of these houses of worship was required to check their congregants’ body temperature, provide hand sanitisers and record details, apart from regularly sanitising the prayer room and surrounding areas, including restrooms and ablution areas.

It also said the mosques and surau would only be opened an hour before prayers started and would be closed upon completion of the congregational Aidiladha prayers. It added that only healthy congregants and those without Covid-19 symptoms would be allowed to attend prayers.