GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) wants the Taman Pelangi kariah chairman and the Seberang Perai Tengah religious administration officer to submit a full report on the incident involving a group of people who violated the standard operating procedure at Surau Taman Pelangi in Juru.

       MAINPP president Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said he hoped the Tuesday incident would serve as a reminder to all, especially to mosque and surau committees in the state, to take a serious view of SOP compliance.

       “Based on the chronology of the case, the surau committee had complied with the SOP to allow only 100 people who had received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to perform Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers that day.

       “The surau committee chairman had also reminded the kariah members on the eve and before performing the prayers to ensure they comply with the SOP.

       “There was also emphasis not to allow foreigners to join in the prayers,” Ahmad Zakiyuddin said in a statement.

       However, he said some foreigners ignored the SOP and decided to join the prayers outside the compound, which was clearly beyond the control of the surau committee.

       He said the committee had also locked the gates and did not allow anyone to enter the premises when the number reached 100 just before the prayers started.

       “The Taman Pelangi surau was allowed to hold prayers with a congregation of up to 100 people because the kariah mosque was still under construction,” he said.

       Ahmad Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, thanked the police for the swift follow-up enforcement action in identifying and detaining those who had violated the SOP.

       However, he hoped that the police could use their discretion in handling the case after the public expressed displeasure over images of those involved being handcuffed without wearing shoes.

       On Tuesday, police launched an investigation into a viral video showing hundreds of people performing Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers in open areas at Surau Taman Pelangi.

       State police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said police were also tracking down all congregants involved to assist in the investigation. — Bernama