Malaysia’s Terengganu state has imposed strict penalties for skipping Friday prayers without a valid excuse. Under recently implemented sharia regulations, first-time offenders risk up to two years in jail, a fine of 3,000 ringgit (about Rs. 2 lakh), or both.
The new measures, announced by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) earlier this week, significantly increase the penalties compared to previous rules, which capped jail time at six months and fines at 1,000 ringgit (Rs. 66,717) for those missing three consecutive Friday prayers.
To ensure compliance, mosques will display reminders about the new law, and enforcement will involve both public tip-offs and joint patrols with the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department.
State assembly member Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi emphasized that these punishments would only be used as a last resort.
The original legislation was passed in 2001 and later amended in 2016 to introduce tougher penalties for various religious offenses, including disrespecting Ramadan and public harassment of women.
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.