MOSQUES and some surau in the Federal Territories will be allowed to hold Friday prayers from tomorrow, said Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri today.

The de facto minister in charge of religious affairs said they are also allowed to hold other group prayers, including the tarawih and Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers.

However, these places of worship will have to fulfil strict standard operating procedures to guard against the spread of Covid-19.

“The number of people who can attend the prayers should not be more than 30 people.

“It should also not be less than three people, excluding the imam,” he said in a statement.

However, the permission is granted only for mosques and certain surau in green zones where there are no Covid-19 cases.

He added that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had agreed for the mosques and surau to be reopened after they had been closed under the movement control order.

Previously, state religious authorities in Perak and Johor had allowed mosques and surau to conduct Friday prayers starting tomorrow, but with strict guidelines.

Authorities in Perak and Johor said only 12 people, including the mosque imam and employees, will be allowed to attend such prayers.

A similar condition also applies for Hari Raya prayers in these states. The states said mosques will remain shut to the public.

Zulkifli also listed down some compulsory procedures to be adhered to for those attending these prayers.

He said they are required to bring their MyKads to gain entry.

The standard operating procedure (SOP) also states that congregants with chronic illnesses, senior citizens and children under 15 are not allowed to attend the prayers. 

Attendees are also required to take wudhu at home and bring their own prayer mat. 

An attendance book will also record details to allow for contact tracing. 

The SOP also states that mosques and surau will only be open an hour before prayers begin and close an hour after it ends. – May 14, 2020.