SHAH ALAM, July 29 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today urged the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and Selangor State Health Department to speed up the COVID-19 vaccination process for all imam, bilal, siak and marriage officials in the state.
In a statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office official Facebook page, the Ruler said this was as an early preparation to allow more Muslims in the state to perform congregational prayers, especially the Friday Prayer, subject to the latest developments of the National Recovery Plan (PPN).
Sultan Sharafuddin was of the view that it was important for imam, bilal, siak and marriage officials to be given priority in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as their duties have put them at greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the statement said Sultan Sharafuddin today presented instruments of appointment to the new State Mufti and new Deputy State Mufti at Istana Bukit Kayangan here.
Datuk Dr Anhar Ophir has been officially appointed as the Selangor Mufti, effective May 21.
Anhar who previously held the position of the Selangor Deputy Mufti since 2016, holds a PhD in Feqh Wa Usuluh from the World Islamic Science and Education University (WISE), Jordan and a master’s degree (Islamic Philosophy), from the University of Cairo, Egypt.
He was succeeded by Assoc Prof Dr Miszairi Sitiris.
Miszairi, who holds a PhD in Fiqh dan Usul Al-Fiqh from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), previously served as a lecturer at IIUM since 1996.
