PUTRAJAYA: The requirement for congregants to have completed two doses and a booster jab of the Covid-19 vaccine to be able to perform Friday prayers only applies to mosques and surau in Selangor, says the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

       Its deputy director-general (policy) Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the standard operating procedure (SOP) for congregational prayers at mosques and surau in other states remains the same and subject to the decision of their respective state religious authorities.“I wish to inform everyone that the condition was set by the Selangor religious authorities and only applies to mosques and surau in that state.

       “Jakim respects the ruling made by the Selangor religious authorities and advises all Muslims (in the state) to abide by the SOP to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” Hakimah said in a statement released yesterday.

       On Tuesday, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department through a circular dated Feb 21 announced the two-dose and booster dose vaccine requirement for congregants performing Friday prayers at mosque and surau in the state.

       The requirement took effect on Feb 25. — Bernama