KOTA BARU: Mosques in Kelantan welcomed congregants in full force today as Friday prayers resumed statewide following the easing of restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Checks at mosques in the state capital showed that congregants observing the standard operating procedures (SOP) in place by the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) which includes wearing face masks and bringing their own prayer mats.
Many arrived as early as noon to ensure that they managed to secure a space to pray.
Mosque committee members also installed temperature scanning devices at mosque entrances.
One mosque-goer, who only wished to be known as Mat Awang, said he was happy that mosques have finally reopened.
"I've been skipping Friday prayers at mosques since the pandemic. Today, I had the chance to attend congregational prayers after it was allowed by MAIK.
"I even brought my own prayer mat to the mosque," said the 45-year-old from Kampung Gok Kapur.
MAIK president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz had previously announced that the number of congregants allowed to perform daily and Friday prayers would be back to normal starting today.
However, he said Quran reading classes and other religious activities are still not allowed to be held in mosques.
He added that congregants are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats and must ensure they are double-masked.
He said they must also show their vaccine digital certificates before entering the mosques.