The Malaysian state of Terengganu has threatened to jail men who skip Friday prayers without a valid reason for up to two years

Under sharia law in the state, first-time offenders could be imprisoned for up to two years, and fined 3,000 ringgit (£527), or both, according to new rules that came into effect this week

The new rules were announced by the governing Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) on Monday

Previously, those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers faced a maximum of six months in prison or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit (£176)

Worshippers would be reminded of the rules by mosque signage, while enforcement would rely on reports from the public and religious patrols in joint operations with the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department[…]
Terengganu state legislative assembly member Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi told the local daily Berita Harian 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 from the Guardian

The legislation was first enacted in 2001 and amended in 2016 to include heavier penalties for offences such as failing to respect Ramadan and harassing women in public[…]
The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which governs Terengganu, has sought to tighten religious enforcement across four of 13 Malaysian states it controls

The party holds all 32 seats in Terengganu’s legislative assembly, leaving no opposition