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RELIGIOUS tolerance, moral conduct and the safety of places of worship must be prioritised to safeguard harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Monday.
He said the need had become more pressing in urban areas, where places of worship of different faiths often exist side by side, demanding a higher level of mutual respect and social etiquette among the public.
Citing Brickfields as a prominent example, Ahmad Zahid said the area is home to more than 17 places of worship representing various religions, including churches and Hindu temples.
“We must learn to respect other religions. It is in this situation that Malaysia becomes a harmonious, tolerant and multiracial country,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, was speaking at the opening of Phase One of a new additional building at Madrasathul Gouthiyyah, a Friday prayer surau in Brickfields.
He stressed that the development of places of worship should not focus solely on physical infrastructure but must also emphasise their role as social centres that bring communities together and foster social cohesion.
He added that Muslims, in particular, must lead by example through good character and proper conduct when managing differences, whether among fellow Muslims or with followers of other religions.
“Whether differences among Muslims themselves or with followers of other religions, we must hold firmly to the principle of religious tolerance,” he said.
The newly completed extension, finished last month, was built to address overcrowding and safety concerns at the surau, particularly during Friday prayers.
Originally established as a madrasah in 1987 and upgraded to a Friday prayer surau in 2012, the facility has struggled to accommodate its growing congregation. With a capacity of only about 800 worshippers, congregants have often been forced to pray outside the compound and onto adjacent roads.
Currently, a main road near the surau is temporarily closed for about 30 minutes during Friday prayers to ensure the safety of worshippers. - February 3, 2026