PADANG BESAR, Dec 1 — Religious speakers or teachers invited to give talks on Islam in Perlis are required to get permission from the State Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) before doing so, said the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

He said those caught violating the regulation could be charged and faced a fine of up to RM5,000 or an imprisonment for up to three years, or both, if found guilty.

Speaking at the presentation of permission to perform the Friday prayer to the Al-Gufran Mosque, Batu 2 Jalan Lama, Kaki Bukit, here today, he hoped all mosques in the state would comply with the regulation.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, who is MAIPs president, also touched on the role of mosques, saying that they should be administered systematically so that their role could be optimised and would remain relevant.

"As the most important institution for Muslims, the mosque is like a one-stop centre that unites and mobilises Muslims in all aspects of life, including spiritual development and moral.

"Therefore, Muslims at all levels, should combine strength of the ummah through the mosque institution, especially towards realising the aspiration of the Development of Outstanding Ummah by 2020,” he said. — Bernama