‘Takbir raya’ at mosques, surau allowed — Jakim

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allowed ‘takbir raya’ at mosques and surau in areas that have moved to Phase Two of the Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (PPN).

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) in the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Aidiladha celebration on Saturday stated that Aidiladha prayers and sermons, as well as the animal sacrificial rites, are also allowed subject to the SOPs and permission from state religious authorities.

However, it said, houseto-house ‘takbir raya’, feasts after the Aidiladha prayers, visiting programmes, visiting of graves, open houses, as well as Hari Raya ceremonies, are not allowed.

Muslims in the country will celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on Tuesday (July 20).

So far eight states have transitioned to Phase Two of the Movement Control under PPN namely Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang,

Sabah and Sarawak.

Jakim said to contain the spread of infection, the number of congregants allowed in mosques or surau is limited and the management is required to check congregants’ body temperature, provide hand sanitisers and record congregants’ details, apart from regularly sanitise prayer rooms and surrounding areas including restrooms and ablution areas.

It also said the mosques and surau would only be opened an hour before prayers start and would be closed upon completion of the congregational Aidiladha prayers, adding that only healthy congregants and those without symptoms are allowed to attend the prayers.