SHAH ALAM, July 6 — States across Malaysia are being encouraged to introduce Friday prayers at shopping malls following the successful implementation of a similar initiative at several locations in the Federal Territories.
According to The Star, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative was first introduced in the Federal Territories through a collaboration between the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).
"So far, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall and Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya, as well as Suria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.
"Discussions are underway to expand the initiative to several other locations. As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join the programme.
"God-willing, I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response," he told reporters after launching the Northern Zone Multaqa Madani Ulama Umara and the Madani Mushaf at Masjid Timah in Permatang Pauh yesterday.
Zulkifli said several shopping mall operators had expressed interest in introducing Friday prayer facilities after the initiative received an encouraging response, helping to attract more visitors to the premises.
He said discussions are still at an early stage with several states, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings.
"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 transport terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers," he added.
Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 18,000 surau and more than 1,029 registered Friday prayer surau nationwide.
About 11,000 imams receiving monthly allowances are currently serving at registered mosques and surau across the country.
In a related development, Zulkifli announced that the Rakan Muda Rakan Masjid programme will be expanded nationwide to encourage greater youth participation in mosques through religious, community and recreational activities.
He said the programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is being implemented in stages nationwide, including in Penang.
The initiative aims to engage young people through activities that match their interests, including sports, recreational and community programmes.
"In the Federal Territories, we have brought together youth committees from more than 75 mosques, which are now actively organising various programmes for the community.
"The government will also continue to strengthen the role of mosques nationwide as part of its efforts to enhance the administration of Islamic affairs," he said.
