Gov't allows all non-Muslim worship houses, mosques in FT to open

CORONAVIRUS | Putrajaya has permitted mosques and surau in federal territories, as well as places of worship for non-Muslims nationwide that do not have Covid-19 cases, to be opened at one-third of their usual capacity.

"What we are giving is general approval. Meaning, this will be subject to the approval of the respective state governments," said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"We allow all mosques and surau in the federal territories, except those located in Red Zones, to be operational," he said, adding that the mosques and surau, "cannot exceed one-third of their usual capacity."

As for mosques and surau in other states, Ismail said it is up to the relevant state religious authorities to decide on their reopening.

He added that a total of 5,230 places of worship for non-Muslims will be allowed to open, as compared to only 171 announced previously. Similarly, those places of worship should not exceed one-third of their usual capacity for now. 

Ismail, who is also the senior minister in charge of security, said the government made the decision to gradually reopen places of worship at a special meeting among ministers today. 

He said the special meeting also discussed the proposed standard operating procedure (SOP) on the reopening of spa, wellness and reflexology centres.

The government also touched on the organisation of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) as well as travel and trade fairs, Ismail added.

"In principle, we have no objection and the proposed SOP will be brought to the National Security Council (NSC) for approval," he said. 

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