Covid-19: Seremban’s Masjid Negeri closes for a week after worshippers found breaching SOPs

SEREMBAN: The Masjid Negeri here has been ordered to close for a week from Friday (May 14), after worshippers were found to have violated Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department said some worshippers had failed to put on face masks, while there were others who did not bring their own prayer mats (sejadah) as required.

“We regret to inform that the mosque has been ordered to close for a week, as some worshippers had breached the SOPs.

“Some even refused to leave despite being told to do so after the number of worshippers exceeded 50, ” it said in a Facebook post.

The mosque will re-open on May 21.

However, the department did not state when the breach took place.

It advised worshippers to always adhere to all SOPs set by the department and the National Security Council (NSC) for the good of the community.

Due to the movement control order (MCO), the state government allowed Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers at mosques, but the number of worshippers was limited to 50.

Surau were only allowed to take in 20 at any one time.

However, it said worship was open only to Malaysians and permanent residents, and they should be above the age of 15.