KUCHING: The Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) has issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines for Muslim prayers during the statewide movement control order (MCO).
Fardhu prayers at mosques and surau are limited to five people – a mosque officer and the management committee members, all practising physical distancing.
For Friday prayers, 15 people are allowed in mosques and surau, also with a mosque officer and the management committee members.
MIS also urged Muslims to suspend gatherings for religious talks, teaching and classes, studies and others, at mosques and surau.
Live streaming of activities or events on social media at mosques and surau is prohibited.
Handling of a body of deceased, management and burial of non-Covid-19 patients are allowed, as long as not more than 10 heirs are present.
MIS advised mosque officers and the management committee to comply with SOPs by wearing a face mask at all times, taking body temperature, and register using the MySejahtera app before entering mosques and surau.
They also need to bring their own prayer mat, perform wudhu (ablution) at home and no shaking hands. The opening of mosques or surau will be 30 minutes before azan.
The use of loudspeakers during the period will only be for azan, and Al-Quran readings before azan.
Mosques and surau need to be closed after wirid (wafiza) and a prayer by the imam, except between maghrib until Isyak. All mosques and surau are to be closed for activities at 9pm every day.
All SOPs must be complied with according to the State Fatwa Board, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, and Divisional Disaster Management Committee, the National Security Council and the Ministry of Health.
The guidelines will be enforced starting May 29 until the end of the MCO or any other directives set by MIS.
MIS can change or amend the guidelines from time to time based on need.
