KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has denied issuing guidelines on ways to observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the Movement Control Order (MCO), which have been circulating on Whatsapp.
"Jakim denies it distributed any document or guidelines on Aidilfitri celebrations during this MCO period.
"Any information that has not been released through Jakim's official channel is considered invalid," the department wrote on its Facebook page.
A spokesman for Jakim explained that the guidelines were still in its draft form.
"It is being reviewed by the National Security Council.
"However, we are working on tracking the individual responsible for releasing this information," he told the New Straits Times today.
Among others, the guidelines making its rounds on Whatsapp said Muslims celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri should not have open houses to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Besides that, the public are advised against visiting families and friends, but to use communication tools and social media instead.
It also said Yaasin and Tahlil readings can be held at home with family members only after the Aidilfitri solat sunat instead of visiting cemeteries.