PETALING JAYA: A hefty fine of up to RM3,000 and even up to two years in jail now await Muslim men in Terengganu who miss Friday prayers without a valid reason.
Terengganu information, dakwah and syariah empowerment committee chairman Dr Muhammad Khalil said the punishments would only be imposed as a last resort if reminders were ignored.
“The installation of reminder banners in mosque compounds throughout the state is aimed at issuing a clear warning about the obligation to perform Friday prayers.
“Muslims should view the enforcement of this law as an effort to educate and uphold the dignity of religion, especially in fostering awareness among the younger generation,” he reportedly told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (Aug 19).
Khalil said enforcement of the new change will be carried out through public reports alongside patrols and joint operations by the Terengganu Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT) and local authorities.
He said the new provision is part of the implementation of the state’s previous amendments to the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (Takzir) 2016, which was passed several years ago.
“Previously, enforcement action was taken only against those who missed Friday prayers three times consecutively, but with this amendment, action can be taken if it is missed even once,” he added.
