Allow Friday prayers at shopping malls, minister tells states

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan has encouraged states to hold Friday prayers at their shopping malls following the positive response to the initiative at several locations in the federal territories.

Zulkifli said the initiative was first introduced in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur through a collaboration between the federal territories Islamic religious department (Jawi) and the federal territories Islamic religious council (MAIWP), as it falls under the jurisdiction of the two agencies.

“So far, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC. Discussions are ongoing to expand the initiative to several other locations.

“As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join us. I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response,” he told reporters after an event in Permatang Pauh here today.

Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 registered Friday suraus, and more than 18,000 suraus nationwide, served by a total of 11,000 imams who receive monthly allowances.

Zulkifli said he also received enquiries from the management of several shopping malls interested in establishing a Friday surau after seeing the encouraging response to the initiative. He said malls that introduced such facilities had become more vibrant and attracted higher visitor numbers.

He added that several states had also expressed interest in the initiative, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings, although discussions were still at an early stage.

“That is why more shopping mall managements are approaching us to explore the possibility of implementing the initiative at their premises.

“Beyond shopping malls, we also plan to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas, to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers,” he said.