KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The government has allowed "takbir raya” at mosques and surau in areas that have moved to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), says the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

       In the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Aidiladha celebration, it said Aidiladha prayers and sermons, as well as animal sacrificial rites are also allowed subject to the SOPs and permission from state religious authorities.

       However, it said in a statement Saturday (July 17) that house-to-house "takbir raya”, feasts after the Aidiladha prayers, visiting programmes, visiting of graves, open houses as well as Hari Raya ceremonies are not allowed.

       Muslims in the country will celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on Tuesday (July 20).

       So far, eight states have transitioned to Phase Two of the NRP namely Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

       Jakim said to contain the spread of infection, the number of congregants allowed in mosques or surau is limited and the management is required to check congregants’ body temperature, provide hand sanitisers and record congregants’ details.

       This is in addition to regularly sanitising prayer rooms and surrounding areas including restrooms and ablution areas.

       It also said the mosques and surau would only be opened an hour before prayers start and would be closed upon completion of the congregational Aidiladha prayers, adding that only healthy congregants and those without symptoms are allowed to attend the prayers. - Bernama