Selangor Ruler extends ban to June 30
Prayers in mosques in the state to remain suspended pending a review
wani@thestar.com.my
Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed that the suspension of daily congregational and Friday prayers in mosques in the state will be extended until a review is carried out.
“It is with a heavy heart that His Highness has decided that the restrictive period for Friday and daily prayers in mosques and surau will be extended until June 30,’’ said the Ruler’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani yesterday.
Friday prayers could be performed in 39 selected mosques in the state that have been allowed to hold congregational prayers with not more than 12 people, comprising mosque officials and committee members only, he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin had allowed the 39 mosques to hold congregational prayers in mid-May after a decrease in Covid-19 infections in the state.
According to Mohamad Munir, Sultan Sharafuddin’s decision was based on the views and advice of the Selangor Mufti and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).
“The decision to prohibit Friday and daily congregational prayers in mosques and surau is a difficult decision for His Highness to make.
“His Highness understands the people’s disappointment in not being able to perform prayers in mosques for the past 12 weeks.
“But the decision had to be made to curb the spread of Covid-19,” said Mohamad Munir.
He said Sultan Sharafuddin had inspected the current data on the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, including new infection cases in Selangor, which showed a decrease.
The Ruler, he added, was worried over the risk of the spread of Covid19 infections if restrictions were relaxed.
Although congregational prayers cannot be conducted in mosques and surau in the state, the daily calls for prayers will continue with the presence of the imam, bilal and siak (assistant) in mosques and surau.
Mohamad Munir said a review of the situation would be carried out after the first week of June.
In the event that the spread of the Covid-19 is found to be on a consistent decline, there is a possibility that the number of people attending congregational prayers in permissible mosques may be increased.
Mohamad Munir also said mosques might also be opened in stages in areas categorised as green zones.
“To ensure that the situation recovers and Muslims can return to performing prayers in mosques, His Royal Highness urges the people to continue practising social distancing, wear face masks and adhere to every instruction and guideline issued by the Health Ministry and Jais,’’ he said.