Visiting of graves on Hari Raya not allowed in Penang

KEPALA BATAS: Muslims in Penang are not allowed to visit graves on Hari Raya Aidilfitri throughout the conditional movement control order (MCO) period, says Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman.

Zakiyuddin, who is Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president, said since visiting graves was a sunat (optional) practice, Muslims in the state were advised to postpone it.

He said the recitation of talking during funerals was also not allowed.

“Guidelines for other activities are still being formulated and will be announced within one or two days,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Earlier, Zakiyuddin who is also the chairman of Zakat Pulau Pinang (ZPP) handed over house key replicas to five asnaf families. They are the recipients of its housing aid, worth RM57,515.86 for each family.

He said ZPP aimed at building 40 unit of houses a year for the asnaf in its efforts to end abject poverty in the state.

“Each house is 800 sq feet (40’ x 20’), with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the five houses are worth RM287,579.30.

“The main requirement for this aid is that they don’t own a house or the house they are living in is in a very poor condition,” Zakiyuddin said.

Shawai Dahaman, a 61-year-old pensioner, said he was grateful for the aid and this year’s Hari Raya festive season would be a different experience for him and his family, celebrating it in their new home. — Bernama