GEORGE TOWN: Solemnisation for Muslim couples will be carried out with limitations throughout the restricted movement order period imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19.
Penang Islamic Affairs Department director Zulkifli Long said the ceremony must not be held at public spaces.
He said a maximum of 10 persons were allowed for the solemnisation, which included the bride, groom, wali, four witnesses and a marriage official.
"The nikah cannot exceed 20 minutes, and the ceremony cannot be followed by a feast.
"This will be enforced between March 18 to 31," he said today.
Meanwhile, the call for prayers, known as 'azan', would continue to be done during the restricted movement order period.
State Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said the call for prayers would proceed though there would not be any congregational prayers until end of the month.
He, however, said the phrase "come to the prayers" in azan would be replaced by "pray at your home".
"All activities at mosques and suraus, including congregational prayers, Friday prayers and religious lectures have been suspended between today and March 31," he said.
He also said the extension of the suspension would be made upon advice from the state Health Department.
For funeral rites of deceased Muslims, who died due to Covid-19, he said the “tayamum” procedure could be carried out similar to those who died due to the Ebola virus.
"The tayamum can be done on the bag or plastic that covers the deceased," he said.
He also advised people to recite the Qunut Nazilah and perform “solat hajat”.
Meanwhile, Penang today allocated RM1 million for six districts and state mosques.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) chairman, said the fund would be used for disinfection works and buying sanitisers and face masks.