MCO 2.0: Sultan Nazrin consents to Friday prayers in all Perak mosques, suraus, limited to 40 people

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah has consented to Friday prayers being held at all mosques, suraus in Perak during the Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0) period.

The ruler also said that general mass prayers and funeral prayers are allowed to be held in all mosques and surau in the state with a maximum of 40 congregants starting tomorrow (Jan 28) and throughout the MCO period.

The Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini said the number of congregants for mosques and suraus in the State are limited to Malaysians aged between 16 and 70 and that they did not include members of the mosque or surau committee.

"Friday prayers are allowed to be held in all mosques and suraus including suraus in office buildings, institutions, universities, colleges, schools, companies and factories to provide space for more people to perform prayers.

"The maximum limit is 40 congregants in a mosque or surau for Friday prayers, obligatory prayers and funeral prayers (excluding committee members and mosque and surau officers).

"Knowledge-based religious activities are allowed to be held in mosques and suraus in the space between the completion of Maghrib prayer while waiting for the Isyak prayer. Activities should be stopped as soon as the Isyak prayer time comes," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Mohd Annuar said this ruling is effective January 28 until any new ruling is issued.

He explained that any banquet in the mosque and surau including in the courtyard of the mosque and surau is not allowed.

"The Perak Islamic Religious Department is responsible for issuing complete guidelines to all committee members as well as mosque and surau officers, besides responsible for monitoring compliance with the guidelines," he said.

In the meantime, he said Sultan Nazrin understands the desire of Muslims to enliven the houses of Allah and worship in congregation.

At the same time, he said, His Highness was also very worried about the threat to the safety of the ummah due to the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

"His Highness is very sympathetic to the staff of the Ministry of Health Malaysia who are at the forefront of dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic that is spreading on such a large scale.

"Among the ways to alleviate their workload can be proven through the practice of physical distancing, minimising the number of attendees in the event and not organising or avoiding rallies.

"His Highness expressed his highest appreciation to the MOH staff who are carrying such a heavy workload, as well as to members of the Royal Malaysian Police, Rela and various other agencies who work together to ensure that the Movement Control Order is complied with," he said.