Male customers and business premise owners who are Muslims in Johor are required to suspend business activities or temporarily close their premises during Friday prayers.
The Chairman of the Johor State Islamic Affairs Committee, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, stated that this is to enable them to fulfil their responsibility to perform the Friday prayers at a nearby mosque. Female Muslim customers, owners, or employees, on the other hand, are given the flexibility to continue conducting business at their premises.
“Those who are required to halt their businesses are Muslim men, so these individuals should not be engaged in business or work during Friday prayers.”
And this is not just solely a reminder. Enforcement will be carried out.
“We will enforce regulations to ensure that all men who are obligated to perform the Friday prayers fulfil their duty.”
So, what happens if your employer is not happy about this regulation?
In his Facebook post, Fared urged the men who faced difficulties performing Friday prayers due to backlash from employers to file complaints regarding the matter to the Johor State Department of Labour (JTK).
He said that employers who fail to provide adequate break time on Fridays could face action.
“Anyone who prevents their employees from performing Friday prayers or makes it difficult for them to pray during working hours can have the matter reported to JTK under the Employment Act for discrimination, and actions will be taken against the said employer.”
A total of 26 school Suraus in the state have also been identified and permitted for Friday prayer purposes.
