The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today decreed that Friday prayers, congregation prayers and lecture activities at mosques and suraus in the state be postponed until May 31.

According to the Selangor Sultan's Confidential Secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, the decision came into effect immediately to reduce the COVID-19 cases as well as to break the chain of the epidemic.

However, the ruler said if the outbreak could be eliminated and resolved within a period earlier than that date, new orders would be issued.

"The decision to extend the suspension was decided at a special meeting between the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) today (Monday).

"Friday prayers should be replaced with Zuhur prayers and obligatory prayers while Tarawih prayers should be performed at their homes," he said in a statement released on the official Facebook of the Royal Selangor Office on Monday.

Mohamad Munir said the Sultan of Selangor also urged the people to be more serious about preventing COVID-19 infection by staying at home, maintaining personal hygiene and health and practising social distancing.

"The Sultan of Selangor also expressed his concern on the 6.5 million people of Selangor, who would have been exposed to COVID-19 infection if preventive measures had not been taken.

"He hoped that no one else in the state would be infected and die from the outbreak," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Munir said the Sultan of Selangor also reminded all parties to be more responsible and not fabricate fake news which could create anxiety among the people.

"The sultan is saddened by the spread of fake news and fake videos related to the outbreak," he added.