Penang DCM to mediate Tg Tokong surau noise issue

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman will mediate any arising issues after allegations that a surau management in Tg Tokong was asked to lower its prayer volume by the joint management committee of a high-rise condominium here.

Zakiyuddin confirmed that he would be meeting all parties involved in relation to the issue with the expectation of resolving the matter.

Earlier, newly appointed state chief police officer Datuk Khaw Kok Chin urged for calm, saying police have recorded statements from the surau committee and condominium committee.

Speaking in his first press conference since taking up the post, Khaw said police are taking a diplomatic approach towards resolving the matter.

“It’s a sensitive issue so we will tread carefully,” he said.

The case is still receiving attention from many quarters including police and the state government, Khaw said.

“Everyone should be able to live peacefully and in harmony,” he added.

A video clip of an alleged recent dialogue between the JMC and surau committee went viral when the issue about the surau’s speakers were discussed.

It is learnt that the high-rise condominium development has three 48-storey blocks, with the surau located approximately 200m from the first block. – The Vibes, May 16, 2023