Six states confirm new SOPs to enter mosques and surau for transition to endemic phase

SHAH ALAM - A total of six states have confirmed the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enter mosques and surau in line with the transition to the Covid-19 endemic phase set to begin on April 1.

Only the state religious authorities of Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Perlis, Pahang, Sarawak and Terengganu have announced the guidelines for congregational and tarawih prayers.

According to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi), congregational prayers without physical distancing is allowed for mosques and surau in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan only for those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

However, people are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.

For Tarawih prayers during the month of Ramadhan, people are allowed to perform up to 20 rakaat (unit of prayer) and Qiamullail (nigh prayers).

In addition, people could also break their fast, have moreh (supper) after Tarawih prayers and also sahur (pre-dawn meal) there as long as the food is packed.

Tadarus (reciting) Quran activities in mosques and surau are also allowed at any suitable time for a small number of people in groups.

Yesterday, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said congregational prayers without physical distancing in the state are allowed according to the capacity of the premises.

He said although the state usually allowed 20-rakaat tarawih prayers to be held, the committee and mosque officers can use their discretion to determine the number of rakaat deemed reasonable for their respective mosques and surau.

This, he said was to minimise the risk of infection at the premises during the transition phase.

To minimise the period of exposure of the congregants in a closed building, tazkirah sessions (short religious talks) after the witr prayers should not exceed 30 minutes.

Similar SOPs would be implemented in Sarawak and Terengganu.

So far, Perlis is the only state that allows those who are unvaccinated to enter mosques and surau.

It was reported that Melaka will announce its SOPs that will be implemented in line with the endemic phase a week before Ramadhan.

The other states are working on refining the new SOPs.

On March 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that congregational prayers at mosques and surau without physical distancing are allowed from April 1.

However, he said the implementation of the SOPs was subjected to the decision of the respective state religious authorities.