KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government has agreed to allow normal activities at mosques and surau for all zones in the state to resume effective immediately.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the state government has agreed to the state mufti’s proposal to allow such activities during the conditional movement control order period from December 7 to 20.
“All prayer activities in mosques and surau are allowed, including Friday prayers, for all zones in Sabah,” he said, adding that programmes, like the mid-morning dhuha and Maghrib sermons, must not exceed an hour in duration.
He also said the congregation size must not be more than one-third of the prayer hall’s capacity and must incorporate physical distancing.
“Religious classes are allowed in the mosque’s halls or special rooms, but cannot exceed five hours.
“Participants must not exceed 20 people and must comply with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the authorities,” he said, adding that solemnisation ceremonies are also allowed.
He said children aged 10 years and above are allowed to visit mosques and surau.
Masidi also said all traditional and complementary medical services, including those run by Islamic medicine practitioners, are allowed to operate on condition that they abide by SOPs set by the National Security Council.
He said healthcare employees must wear personal protective equipments when dealing with customers, who must wear face masks, undergo temperature screening and register, either manually or by using the MySejahtera application, before entering the premises.
“Services that stimulate the production of bodily fluids, such as phlegm and mucus, are not allowed, and the products used cannot be shared. The wearing of gloves by the practitioner is also compulsory for any treatment involving touch.”
Masidi said disposable mats or linen used during treatment, such as sheets, pillowcases, towels and other fabric, must be changed after each session. – The Vibes, December 8, 2020
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