Coronavirus: Villagers pray for protection
MIRI: The Muslim villagers of Kampung Pejuang Kelulit held a mass ‘solat tolak bala’ on Sunday, where they performed special prayers to seek God’s protection against the dangers of the novel coronavirus.
The session, which was conducted at the village community hall, involved some 100 people including Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus.
“We have not done a mass prayer for a long time. I believe now is a good time for us to pray to God, as we seek protection from the coronavirus,” said Kampung Pejuang Kelulit headman Hamdan Taha, adding that the surau management, the security and development committee (JKKK) and the village women’s bureau worked together in organising the session.
The womenfolk worked together to prepare food and drinks for the congregation.
Adding on, Hamdan said the ‘solat tolak bala’ was among the measures undertaken by the villagers in light of the current coronavirus situation.
“We always work together to keep our village clean and free from disease-bearing pests like mosquitoes. Cleanliness is our priority.
“We always abide by the directives issued by the health authorities, which is very important during this period,” he said.
In her remarks, Rosey, who is Bekenu assemblywoman, stressed about the importance of adhering to the stipulated health requirements during this time of concern, such as wearing proper face masks and exercising regular hand-washing and sanitising.
She also said other villages across Bekenu would also be holding their own ‘solat tolak bala’.
“I believe that it is everyone’s hope that this coronavirus scar would stop eventually stop,” she said.
It is informed that the neighbouring village of Kampung Sulap Lada would hold the same special prayers next week.
We have not done a mass prayer for a long time. I believe now is a good time for us to pray to God, as we seek protection from the coronavirus. Hamdan Taha