Men in the Malaysian state of Terengganu face up to two years in prison if they fail to attend Friday prayers without a valid reason, under new rules introduced this week.
The legislation, announced on Monday by the ruling Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), allows first-time offenders to be jailed for up to two years, fined 3,000 ringgit (£527), or both.
Previously, men who missed three consecutive Friday prayers risked a maximum of six months in prison or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit (£176).
Mosques in the state will now display reminders of the new penalties, while enforcement will depend on public reports and religious patrols working with the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department.
Human rights advocates have condemned the measures. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA), described the law as “shocking”.
“Laws like this give Islam a bad name. Freedom of religion and belief also means freedom to not believe or participate, so Terengganu authorities are blatantly abusing human rights with this draconian law,” he said, urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke the penalties.
Member of Terengganu’s legislative assembly speaks
However, Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of Terengganu’s legislative assembly, told local daily Berita Harian that punishments would be imposed only as a last resort.
“This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims,” he said.
The legislation was first enacted in 2001 and amended in 2016 to impose heavier penalties for offences such as failing to respect Ramadan and harassing women in public.
Malaysia, where Muslims make up two-thirds of the population of 34 million, operates a dual legal system: civil law and sharia law, the latter governing personal and family matters for Muslims.
