KUALA LUMPUR – For the second year in a row, Muslims in the country today celebrated Aidilfitri under the new norms, strictly adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the battle against Covid-19.
This year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri is being celebrated in moderation due to the nationwide movement control order (MCO) enforced to contain the virus outbreak, without the usual house-to-house visits, limited congregational prayers in mosques and no customary grave site visits.
A check by Bernama today found many Muslims looking resplendent in their baju Melayu gathering at the National Mosque and Federal Territory Mosque from as early as 7am, but not all were allowed into the premises, and the situation was closely monitored by several policemen on duty.
Federal Territory Mosque administrative officer Zulkifli Hussain said only 50 congregants were allowed to perform the Aidilfitri prayers in the mosque, in compliance with stipulated SOPs, including physical distancing and body temperature checks.
In Putrajaya, people were seen queuing in front of Putra Mosque from as early as 6.30am, but they were asked to leave by the security guard.
The mosque’s senior assistant director Ustaz Ahmad Termizi Zainudin said the mosque administration is sad that it is not able to fulfil the wishes of all congregants to pray following the government’s decision to allow a maximum of 50 worshippers for Aidilfitri prayers.
In Perak, Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad performed Aidilfitri prayers, while adhering to the SOP of not more than 50 congregants, at the State Mosque in Ipoh.
Residents of Taman Medan Klebang Restu, Ipoh, also attracted attention when celebrating Aidilfitri by enjoying the Raya dishes in front of their houses with family members, talking to neighbours from afar to adhere to physical distancing rules.
In Kedah, only 20 people were allowed to perform prayers in the Zahir Mosque in Alor Star. Several individuals were seen performing their prayers outside the mosque’s fence and by the roadside, which also saw social distancing being practised, and all were wearing masks.
In Johor Baru, the management of Sultan Iskandar Mosque in Bandar Dato Onn allowed 1,000 congregants to perform their Aidilfitri prayers.
In Melaka, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali performed the Aidilfitri prayers at Al Azim Mosque in Bukit Palah, along with about 1,400 congregants.
In Negri Sembilan, about 50 congregants performed Aidilfitri prayers at Tuanku Munawir Royal Mosque, Seri Menanti, in Kuala Pilah, led by imam Syammil Izuddin Mohamed Yusoff.
In Terengganu, Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and surau were limited to 40 congregants at any one time, excluding mosque committee members.
Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin performed the Aidilfitri prayer at Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Mosque in Kuala Terengganu, accompanied by his sons, Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Tengku Setia Mahkota Raja Tengku Muhammad Mua’az, and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
In Penang, for the first time, the Aidilfitri prayers were performed in rotation according to attendance. The first session starts from 8.30am to 9.15am, followed by the second session (9.45am to 10.30am) and the third session (11am to 11.45am) at mosques and surau statewide.
Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul and his wife, Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, performed Aidilfitri prayers at the State Mosque.
Meanwhile, Muslims in Pahang were seen performing the prayers while observing strict physical-distancing protocols at several mosques around Kuantan.
In Selangor, 50 people performed the Aidilfitri prayers and recited the Qunut Nazilah to curb the spread of Covid-19 and for protection for Palestinians, at An-Naim Mosque in Jalan Kebun Shah Alam.
In Sabah, checks at Bandaraya Mosque and the State Mosque saw congregants complying with SOPs, while only a few shoppers were spotted at shopping malls.
In Sarawak, Aidilfitri prayers at mosques and surau were allowed but limited to 50 to 1,500 people, according to the premises’ capacity.
Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud performed the Aidilfitri prayers at Jamek Mosque Petra Jaya, accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg and state dignitaries. – Bernama, May 13, 2021
