SHAH ALAM – Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the decision to limit the number of worshippers during prayers at mosques statewide was made to ensure the safety of all Muslims.
Private secretary to the sultan Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said the decision was also made following the rise in number of Covid-19 infections, with the cumulative number of positive cases reaching five digits and the death toll in the triple-digits.
"Sultan Sharafuddin understands the concerns of Muslims in Selangor who have not been able to perform the obligatory and Friday prayers at mosques because they have to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the movement control order (MCO).
“His royal highness stresses that it does not mean that if mosques and surau are closed, the act of worship will also stop," he said in a statement today.
Munir said the Sultan does not want more Selangor citizens to get infected by Covid-19 due to not adhering to the MCO's SOPs.
The sultan also expressed hope that all parties will stop arguing over the authorities' decisions made to safeguard Muslims in Selangor.
Since the implementation of the MCO on January 13, obligatory and Friday prayers in the state are only allowed at mosques for a maximum of five worshippers, comprising only mosque and surau staff. – Bernama, January 28, 2021
