Perlis night market traders to close stalls for Maghrib prayer - exco

All night market operators in Perlis will be required to temporarily shut down their stalls for Maghrib prayers effective Sept 15, according to the state government.

PAS news organ Harakahdaily quoted Perlis state executive councillor Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil who said non-Muslim night market traders are encouraged to also follow the directive, but they are not prevented from keeping their businesses open.

He said the initiative will be enforced as a sign of respect for the call to evening prayer.

“The directive will start on Sept 15 at all night markets administered by the local councils or private sector across Perlis.

“The duration (of business shutdowns) will start 10 minutes before the call to (Maghrib) prayers and end 10 minutes after the prayer time, to allow all traders and visitors to pray in a comfortable manner without the need to hurry,” said Asrul.

“Prayers can be done at the nearest mosque or surau, or at a location set by the night market operator, other than any other sites deemed suitable by traders,” he added.

The Kayang state assemblyperson, who is also Perlis PAS information chief, said the initiative was introduced to encourage Muslim visitors to the night markets to not shop during Maghrib prayer time.

“This is aside from educating the public to perform their prayers early and not to delay it.

“As a start, as part of an initiative to educate the people, local council enforcers will go down to the ground and ensure the success of the ‘Stop for Prayers’ programme by issuing them advice,” he said.

The time for Maghrib prayers will change daily based on the time of sunset at different locations, with about an hour until the next and last prayer of the day.

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