Mosques in Malaysia advised to close as confirmed coronavirus cases rise
Malaysia recorded its highest-ever single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Sunday
Amid a sharp rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Malaysia, the authorities have been advised to close all mosque for 10 days and cease all activities.
Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) will recommend the closure of all mosques for 10 days based on advice from the Health Ministry, reports The Strait Times.
Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin posted on his Instagram account about the step. He said mosques will be advised to cease all activities including mass prayers and Friday prayers during this time.
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The religious leader also said that the decision was made following a special meeting on Sunday night but added that there will be an official announcement on the matter.
His Instagram post came as Negri Sembilan Mufti Mohd Yusof Ahmad said on Monday mosques and suraus in the state will be closed from March 17 to 26 for cleaning and disinfecting.
Negri Sembilan is the first Malaysian state to shut all mosques and suraus in the wake of the virus outbreak
Perlis had cancelled Friday prayers on March 13, saying that the decision was made based on the recommendations of the Health Ministry. Matters of religion are under the purview of each of Malaysia's 13 states, with nine of these headed by Malay rulers who must be consulted before such decisions are made.
Malaysia recorded its highest-ever single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Sunday, with 190 confirmed new patients, resulting in a total tally of 428 coronavirus patients.
The bulk of the new cases on Sunday are linked to the mass religious gathering by the Tabligh group, attended by some 16,000 people from Feb 27 to March 1, which included Singaporeans and Brunei nationals. Nearly 5,000 attendees had been identified from that gathering.
