Impact of Updated Safe Management Measures on Religious Activities, Events and Prayers in Mosques

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in view of the Multi-Ministry Task Force's announcements on 16 February 2022, how will the updated safe management measures impact religious activities, events and prayers in mosques, including the number of vacancies and sessions for Friday and other prayers, in light of the upcoming fasting month.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) welcomes the Multi-Ministry Task Force's announcements that there will be a further easing of Safe Management Measures (SMMs) in time to come. The revised SMMs will enable mosques to increase their capacity for prayers and other religious activities held within their premises.

When the measures are eased, MUIS estimates Friday prayer spaces to increase by about 60%, coupled with corresponding increases in capacity for other religious activities at mosques. This will allow a total of about 100,000 congregants to perform their religious obligations and participate in religious activities every week.

MUIS is working closely with the mosques to prepare for the implementation of the SMMs. As with the rest of the community, MUIS hopes that the COVID-19 situation will improve soon so that the easing of measures can be implemented in time for Ramadan which begins on 3 April.

MUIS would like to thank the community for their cooperation and patience. As we transit into the next phase of dealing with COVID-19, we urge the community to continue to remain vigilant.