S'wak allows Friday prayers in mosques, but not Hari Raya prayers

KUCHING: Sarawak will allow Friday prayers to be held in mosques and surau in the state starting May 22, subject to certain conditions.

Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha (pic) said the number of people allowed was limited to a minimum of four and not more than 12, and they must be officials and committee members of the mosque or surau.

He said those present must also comply with the guidelines issued by the Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department on holding Friday prayers during the conditional movement control order (MCO) period.

"I ask for the cooperation from masjid and surau to comply with the guidelines as we are still battling Covid-19," Misnu said in a live announcement via Facebook on Friday (May 15).

However, he said the council would not allow Hari Raya prayers to be held in mosques and surau this year.

"We can hold Hari Raya prayers at home with our own families. I appeal to Muslims in Sarawak to be patient in facing this situation," he said.

Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin added that the council would prepare a guide on how to hold the Hari Raya prayers at home.

"Don't worry about how to fulfil the Hari Raya prayers. There will be a guide, and the prayers can be held in our respective homes," he said.