Malaysian State of Terengganu Criminalises Absence from Friday Prayers, Offenders Face Jail Term or Heavy Fine
In a move generating intense debate across Malaysia and beyond, the northeastern Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced strict punishments for Muslim men who deliberately skip Friday congregational prayers, with penalties including a fine of up to RM 3,000 (approximately ₦1,000,000) or two years’ imprisonment. This sweeping amendment to the state’s Shariah Criminal Offences (Takzir)