BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 5 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has welcomed states across the country to hold Friday prayers at shopping malls, following the positive response to the initiative at several locations in the Federal Territories.
Zulkifli said the initiative was first introduced in the Federal Territories through a collaboration between the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), as it falls under the jurisdiction of the two agencies.
“So far, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC, while discussions are underway to expand the initiative to several other locations.
“As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join us. Insya-Allah, I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response,” he told reporters after officiating the national-level Multaqa Madani Ulama Umara and the launch of the Madani Mushaf at Masjid Timah in Permatang Pauh here today.
Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 registered Friday surau, and more than 18,000 surau nationwide, served by a total of 11,000 imams who receive monthly allowances.
Zulkifli said he also received enquiries from the management of several shopping malls interested in establishing a Friday surau after seeing the encouraging response to the initiative.
He said malls that introduced such facilities had become more vibrant and attracted higher visitor numbers.
He added that several states had also expressed interest in the initiative, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings, although discussions were still at an early stage.
“That is why more shopping mall managements are approaching us to explore the possibility of implementing the initiative at their premises. Beyond shopping malls, we also plan to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas, to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the Rakan Muda Rakan Masjid programme would be expanded nationwide to encourage greater youth participation in enlivening mosques through a range of religious, community and recreational activities.
He said the programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is being rolled out in stages across the country, including in Penang. The initiative aims to bring young people closer to mosques through activities that match their interests, such as sports, recreational pursuits and social programmes.
“In the Federal Territories, we have brought together mosque youth committees from more than 75 mosques, which are now actively organising various programmes for the community. The government will also continue to strengthen the role of mosques nationwide as part of its efforts to enhance the administration of Islamic affairs,” he said. — Bernama
Date: 5 July, 2026 5:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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