JOHOR BAHRU - The Johor State Government hopes that the WiFi facility provided for free in mosques and surau in the state is well utilised, especially by youths.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the initiative was set up to provide Internet access to congregants for learning purposes and various outreach activities.
He said the state government also hoped that such facilities would attract more people to return to the mosque, not only to perform prayers but as a reference point for seeking knowledge.
"I hope young people can make the best use of it, maybe at school, there is no WiFi, so they can go to the mosques and use this service for free.
"However, please do not use this service for detrimental purposes," he said in a statement, last night.
Onn Hafiz said the setting up of Wi-Fi internet by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) in 127 mosques and 33 surau in the state involved RM470,404.80, comprising the rental cost for 12 months, installation and Sales and Service Tax (SST).
He said as of last Wednesday, congregants at 19 mosques and surau had begun benefitting from the facility.
"We expect 800 mosques and surau in this state to get the facility within five years," he said.
Earlier, Onn Hafiz attended a breaking of fast ceremony at the General Operations Force’s Parade Ground in Simpang Renggam in Kluang, and launched the WiFi initiative for mosques and surau at the state level. - BERNAMA