The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced new laws that threaten to jail Muslim men who skip Friday prayers without a valid reason for up to two years.
Under sharia law in the Malaysian province, first-time offenders could be imprisoned for up to two years, and fined 3,000 ringgit (£527), or both. The new rules were announced by the governing Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and came into effect this week.
The laws have been met with criticism, with some describing them as “shocking” and an abuse of human rights. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA), said, “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 added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should revoke the penalties.
The new rules are part of a broader effort by PAS to tighten religious enforcement in the states it controls.
The party governs Terengganu and has sought to impose stricter Islamic laws, including heavier penalties for offences such as failing to respect Ramadan and harassing women in public.
Muslim-majority Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, in which Islam is the official religion, but operates alongside civil law.
Terengganu state legislative assembly member Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi said that punishments would only be imposed 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 Terengganu state government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The introduction of these laws highlights the ongoing struggle between religious rule and civil freedom in Malaysia.
The federal court quashed similar laws in 2024, ruling them unconstitutional, in a decision that prompted mass protests by PAS supporters. The party holds all 32 seats in Terengganu’s legislative assembly, leaving no opposition.
Critics argue that these laws are an attempt to further restrict individual freedoms and impose stricter Islamic laws.
The enforcement of these laws will rely on reports from the public and religious patrols in joint operations with the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department. Worshippers will also be reminded of the rules by mosque signage.