BALIK PULAU – Police have urged the public not to participate in a gathering allegedly organised by several non-government organisations (NGO) at Al-Mustaghfirin Mosque here after Friday prayers tomorrow.
Southwest district acting police chief Jafri Md Zain said no permission was given to any individual or NGO to gather at the mosque in Sg Tiram, Bayan Lepas because it was against the regulations under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan.
“Police received information today that posters and a one minute, 44 seconds video have gone viral on social media sites urging the public to attend the gathering to press the Health Ministry and Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department to allow worshippers to pray in tight rows.
“Preliminary investigation found the mosque committee and the Southwest Islamic Religious Office have not given any permission to organise the gathering,” he said in a statement today.
He said the public is warned not to join the gathering as action could be taken against them under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342), and Section 269 of the Penal Code.
In the video, a man claiming to be representing an NGO urged the public to be present at the gathering at the mosque to demand that congregations be allowed to perform prayers in tight rows. – Bernama, December 9, 2021
