SINGAPORE, March 23 — Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has wished all Muslims a blessed and meaningful Ramadan as the holy month kicked off today.
Muslims in Singapore are joining other Muslims in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand for their first day of fasting.
“After three years, our Muslim community can again welcome the holy month as they used to before the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Lee on his official Facebook page.
Lee said that activities like Tarawih prayers can resume at 57 mosques with no bookings needed while 10 mosques with high demand and limited spaces, bookings will be needed to facilitate crowd management.
“I understand these mosques have made extra efforts to create more prayer spaces,” he said.
Lee noted the wish of many qaryah groups to continue holding Tarawih prayer at void decks.
“I am glad that after discussions with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), we have come to an understanding, and MUIS has been able to allow many qaryah groups to proceed with their original plans.
“I thank the qaryah groups, as well as the Muslim community for working together with the authorities to make this Ramadan a meaningful one,” he wrote.
The prime minister also encouraged non-Muslims to join Muslim friends to buka puasa wherever possible.
“Having done away with COVID-19 restrictions, everyone can look forward to visiting the Ramadan bazaars, and enjoying the atmosphere and liveliness of the season,” he added.
