KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — The mandatory Friday prayers for Muslims in Perlis today will be replaced by individual prayers at home, according to the Raja Muda.
According to a statement from Crown Prince Syed Faizuddin Putra Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis has decided that today’s Friday prayers be performed in-home during Zohor rather than in congregations as a precaution.
He cited the Health Ministry’s recommendations against mass gatherings after the country’s coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation worsened in past weeks, and said the move was also supported by the state’s religious authorities.
“This is pursuant to recent events including the announcement from the Health Ministry. The ministry has recommended that mass gathering including religious activities be avoided.
“Therefore, the management of mosques in Perlis should refrain from carrying out any large-scale public gathering activities at this time,” he said.
The Perlis crown prince said the recommendation obliged all Muslims to take the necessary steps to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19.
The Perlis decision is an escalation from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Zukifli Mohamad advice that Friday prayers may continue for now, albeit with added precautions.
Attention befell mass religious gatherings after it was discovered that an event held at a mosque in Sri Petaling earlier this month included attendees who have since tested positive for Covid-19.
Authorities are tracking around 5,000 citizens across the country believed to have been potentially exposed to the coronavirus at a religious event there.
The event was also attended by foreign nationals including Bruneians who have also been confirmed to have Covid-19.