Flood-Hit Mosque Proceed With Friday Prayers Today

KUALA SELANGOR: Masjid At Taufiqiah in Bandar Seri Coalfields here, dubbed the “flood mosque”, will proceed with Friday prayers today despite being hit by mud floods on Wednesday.

Mosque Chairman Dr Masrom Mohd Khair said the mosque, which has been inundated by mud floods seven times, was undergoing extensive cleaning operations.

He said LATAR Expressway management had deployed several workers and water jet equipment to clear the mud that had flooded the mosque’s interior.

“Today, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also come forward to help clean the mosque, particularly its compound and interior.

“Although weather forecasts indicate that flooding may recur, the mosque management decided to resume congregational prayers yesterday.

“About 13 to 14 mosque committee members have cleaned the main prayer area. However, the mosque has decided not to lay carpets to prevent them from being damaged by potential flooding,” he said earlier today.

Masrom said worshippers attending prayers had been asked to bring their own prayer mats.

“The mosque management has also announced that Subuh prayers resumed yesterday morning, while Friday prayers will proceed today with very limited capacity.

“To fulfil the requirements for valid Friday prayers under these restricted circumstances, the mosque has set a target attendance of only 40 to 50 worshippers.

“The management also apologises to worshippers for the unusual prayer arrangements and advises residents to perform Friday prayers at nearby mosques,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mosque Secretary Mohd Fazlizam Lod said a communal clean-up operation was also being carried out today, involving representatives from the religious department and various NGOs.

He nevertheless expressed gratitude that the heavy rain yesterday afternoon did not trigger another major flood similar to the one experienced on Wednesday.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA