KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) clarifies that Al-Munawwarah Mosque in Seksyen 27, Shah Alam is not closed as announced by the mosque's management today.
The mosque's management had earlier said they would be closing the mosque temporarily for cleaning and sanitising works after a congregant who just returned from Vietnam tested positive for Covid-19.
JAIS director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said they would only allow the mosque to be closed if it was ordered by the Health Ministry.
"At the moment, JAIS received an application from Al-Munawwarah Mosque, Seksyen 27, to close temporarily after a congregant contracted Covid-19 while on holiday in Vietnam.
"However, we are not allowing this and ask that the mosque revoke the temporary closure notice it issued," he said.
He added that the mosque was asked to inform their congregants for those involved and confirmed positive for Covid-19 or awaiting test results to self-isolate at home.
Presently, no mosques in Selangor are closed and they are operating as usual, he said.
The mosque had earlier put up a notice asking congregants to pray at home or at any surau or mosques nearby.
The notice informed that the mosque was temporarily closed for cleaning and sanitising works.
When contacted, mosque coordinator Muhaiyat Husin said they are advising congregants who are unwell to pray at home.
"We are not stopping people from coming to the mosque, we are just not encouraging it because cleaning and sanitising works have not been carried out.
"We are awaiting information from JAIS on the cleaning and sanitising works and we expect it to be carried out tomorrow," he said.