Permission for congregational prayer lifted if SOP violated - Ismail Sabri

The relaxation given by the government for prayer at the mosque during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is likely to be lifted if there are areas that do not comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP).

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he would look forward to the report from the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) as it was the first day it was implemented.

"Today is the first day but if many areas are in violation of the SOP, it is not impossible for this relaxation to be withdrawn. We will also advise the mosque committee if violation happens in their area.

"We will not withdraw the approval involving all mosques, however, it depends on the Minister (Religious Affairs). We are still awaiting reports on the development of the first day," he told a press conference here today.

Ismail Sabri added that no party was allowed to change the SOP for relaxation of congregational prayer activities throughout the CMCO including to perform prayer outside the mosque area.

"The SOPs we have set have got approval in the meetings, including the religious heads of each state. It cannot be arbitrarily altered," he added.