CMCO: More will be allowed to pray at mosques - Ismail Sabri

The government has in principle agreed to allow more congregants to pray at the mosques, depending on the size of the house of worship.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the standard operating procedure (SOP) on the relaxation to be implemented in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, was tabled on Saturday.

However, he said, it had to get the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before the announcement is made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

"If it had been limited to 30 people before this, today we agreed in principle (the limit) is raised based on the size of the mosque ... as long as there is social distancing in the mosque, then there is no limitation for us to open it to the public.

"For example, the mosque is as big as in Putrajaya ... with the social distancing of one meter, maybe it can accommodate 200 to 300 people, then 200 to 300 congregants are allowed.

"(But) we say in principle because every matter related to religion must obtain the approval of the Rulers in the state and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the Federal Territory.

"We discussed it and it was agreed ... but we cannot approve it before the Agong gives consent. About the SOP, if approved, it will be announced by the Minister of Religious Affairs. So, let’s wait," he said.