KEPALA BATAS: Penang will look into allowing more activities to be held at mosques in the state.
Deputy Penang Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said allowing activities such as marriage solemnisation and religious classes after Maghrib and Subuh prayers, will be considered if the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are well adhered to.
"We are closely monitoring the activities that we already allow at the moment (Friday and daily prayers).
"If the compliance to the SOPs is good, then we can consider allowing other activities.
"We are in the midst of reviewing the other activities that can be allowed," he said today.
He was met after performing Friday prayers at Masjid At-Taqwa here today.
Today is the first day of Friday prayers where 40 people can perform the prayers in a congregation including members of the public following the implementation of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
Previously, during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), only 15 people from respective mosque committees were allowed to pray including an imam who also delivered the Friday sermon.
Also present were Penang Police chief Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan and Bertam assemblyman Khalid Mehtab Mohd Ishaq.
Police monitored the people who arrived about an hour early who were also asked to register their particulars before entering the prayer hall today.
Everyone brought their own prayer mat while wearing face masks. They also performed ablution before they came to the mosque.
Ahmad Zakiyuddin said that respective mosques can manage the attendance of the people for Friday prayers.
"Some may prepare name lists for easy monitoring. The mosque committee can use their discretion on the matter," he added.