Terengganu Introduces Stricter Penalties for Missing Friday Prayers
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced tougher penalties for individuals who miss Friday prayers without a valid reason, under newly enforced sharia regulations.
According to the updated law, first-time offenders may face up to two years in prison, a fine of 3,000 ringgit (approximately Rs. 2 lakh), or both. This is a significant increase from the previous penalty of six months in jail and a fine of 1,000 ringgit for those missing three consecutive Friday prayers.
Implementation and Enforcement
To raise awareness, mosques in the state will display notices about the new rules. Enforcement will be carried out through public reports and coordinated patrols by the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department.
State assembly member Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi clarified that these penalties would only be applied as a last resort, stressing that the main objective is to encourage compliance.
The legislation was originally passed in 2001 and later amended in 2016 to introduce stricter measures for various religious offenses, including violations during Ramadan and public harassment cases.
