BEAUFORT: Only 30 people are allowed for Friday prayers at mosques and any number beyond that is considered violation of the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) enforced by the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains).
Nurul Iman Weston Mosque Information Chief Ismail Hj Kambar said every mosque had to comply with the SOP issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) and Jheains.
“We have to abide by Jheains’ instruction that each mosque must only allow 30 worshipers to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Although many congregations were present, it was limited to 30 people and we sympathise for those who have not been able to pray on Friday.
“Last week, there were more than 30 people who came to pray but as of today (Friday), we have received instructions from Jheains to allow only the said number,” he said.
Ismail said following the issuance, information from a credible source said there were complaints received by Jheains that some places allowed over 30 people to pray last week.
“There were complaints to Jheains saying that if more people are allowed to pray in Nurul Iman Weston Mosque, why is it the mosque in their village is not allowed to do so,” he said
“According to Jheains’ enforcement officer who declined to be named, they came to the Nurul Iman Weston Mosque to ensure that the mosque committee complied with the enforced instructions.
“We not only monitor the capacity of the mosque but also ensure that all Friday prayer congregations comply with the SOP including observing physical distancing and to make sure that the mosque congregation wear a face mask,” he said, adding that no one was compounded because all the congregation complied with the SOPs.
