Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan has encouraged state governments to introduce Friday prayers at shopping malls, following the positive public response to the initiative in several locations across the Federal Territories.
Zulkifli said the programme was first introduced in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur through a collaboration between the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), which oversee Islamic affairs in the Federal Territories.
He said Friday prayers are currently being held at several shopping centres, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC, with discussions underway to expand the initiative to additional malls.
“We encourage and welcome any state that wishes to implement this initiative. I believe it is a positive effort that will receive strong support from the public,” he told reporters after attending an event in Permatang Pauh on Tuesday.
Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 registered Friday suraus, and more than 18,000 suraus nationwide, served by approximately 11,000 imams receiving monthly allowances.
Zulkifli said several shopping mall operators have also approached the ministry after seeing the encouraging response to the initiative, expressing interest in establishing Friday prayer facilities at their premises. He noted that malls offering such facilities have become more vibrant and have attracted higher visitor numbers.
He added that several states, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings, have also expressed interest, although discussions remain at an early stage.
Beyond shopping malls, Zulkifli said the government plans to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations, including transportation terminals, airports, and highway rest and service areas (R&R), to make it more convenient for Muslims to fulfil their Friday prayer obligations.
