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MUIS apologises for phrasing in notice to Bangladeshi migrant workers for Eid Prayers in dormitories

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) apologizes for the phrasing in a notice published on Singapore Bangladesh Society (SBS) which advised Bangladeshi migrant workers to perform their Eid prayers in their respective dormitories.

In an official statement on Monday, MUIS clarified that mosques remain open to all and up to three prayer sessions will be provided to accommodate the expected demand.

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2 years ago

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SINGAPORE— With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities approaching this coming Saturday (22 Apr), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has advised that large crowds will be expected for the Eid prayers.

On 15 April, MUIS published a post on both its Facebook and Instagram page, stating that up to three prayer sessions will be offered across 68 mosques, providing 230,000 prayer spaces for the public.

Muslims are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled prayer time so that mosque volunteers and staff can guide them better.

MUIS has requested the community’s continued cooperation to ensure that everyone can perform the prayer safely and comfortably.

Bangladesh Muslim migrant workers allegedly told to “perform their Eid prayers at their respective dormitories”

However, a notice circulating online suggests a different approach.

With a letterhead of ‘Singapore Bangladesh Society’ (SBS) and published on behalf of MUIS, the notice addressed “Bangladeshi Migrant Muslim Brothers in Singapore,” requesting that they perform the Eid prayers at their respective dormitories.

The request to the recipients read as follows:

“We have been advised to convey a message from Muis, requesting you celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr safely and responsibly by performing the Eid prayers at your respective dormitories. 

“This will help to avoid overcrowding and road blockages and ensure the health and safety of everyone.”

Netizen questioned: “finding new ways to advise migrant workers not to exist in public”?

A netizen who shared the notice online criticized the Singapore authorities for finding new ways to advise migrant workers not to exist in public, even though lockdowns are over.

Subhas Nair, Singapore rapper also reshared the notice, questioned why the notice was published only on the Singapore Bangladesh Society’s page and not on MUIS’s, which raised questions about plausible deniability.

“I cannot say Singapore is a racist country or that MUIS is an extension of the surveillance state, ” he wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrFYOVgB3_0/

Original post removed from SBS’s Facebook page

The notice originally published on the Singapore Bangladesh Society’s Facebook page has been removed since.

Mr Subhas emphasized that migrant workers have the freedom to travel and pray where they choose and that MUIS and SBS need to clarify their message immediately.

“If this message is being sent by MUIS to other groups, such as employers dormitory operators, this could directly lead to workers being restricted from leaving dorms.”

Netizens had commented on MUIS’s Instagram account, questioning why Bangladesh migrant workers, who are also Muslim brothers, cannot perform Eid prayers at mosques.

“Aren’t these spaces for all Muslims? Why are we excluding them and denying them the rewards of praying there? Masyallah…” a netizen questioned.

MUIS apologised “for the phrasing of the notice”

In response, MUIS apologised “for the phrasing of the notice” and explained that it was due to limited space in the mosques.

“It is never our intention to discriminate against our Muslim migrant brothers. They are valued members of the congregation. ”

MUIS said they have tried to address this by organising multiple sessions, thus doubling or tripling capacity, and trying to make more convenient places like dorms available for prayer.

“We would like our Muslim migrant brothers to be comfortable when doing their ibadah. Once again, apologies for the insensitive language. We will do better, ” MUIS wrote in the reply to the netizen.

MUIS clarifies arrangements for Hari Raya prayers, assures access for all congregants, including migrant workers

On Monday (17 April), MUIS released an official statement on their Instagram to clarify the post on SBS, reiterating that mosques remain open to all and up to three prayer sessions will be provided to accommodate the expected demand.

“The Muslim transient worker (MTW) community is a valued member of the Muslim community in Singapore. They have never been segregated from our community or our mosques. Many are regular mosque-goers and volunteers. ”

MUIS explained that even with 230,000 spaces on offer in all the mosques, they have planned for additional capacity to ensure congregants do not miss out on their Hari Raya prayers due to lack of space.

“We have more than tripled the number of prayer spaces in dorms, which the SBS letter was highlighting to the MTWs. We have also introduced over 20 supplementary venues for an additional 10,000 spaces in our housing estates islandwide. ”

MUIS said their approach for this year is to offer a “range of choices” to their congregants, across locations and times, so that they can perform their prayers in comfort and safety.

“As with everyone else, we encourage them to make their prayer plans early and take advantage of lower-demand locations and sessions.”

Commenters on the post highlighted that MUIS had failed to explain the rationale behind its advice to SBS to issue the post and to apologise for the matter.

 

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Community

Singapore performer impersonating Sivaji Ganesan dies after collapse during live show

Asokan S/O Muniyandy, a Singaporean performer famed for his impersonation of Indian actor Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on 12 October at the age of 60. Dubbed the “Singapore Sivaji,” he collapsed after a performance. His final rites will take place on 15 October at 5 pm.

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2 days ago

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16 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Singaporean performer Asokan S/O Muniyandy, renowned for his impersonation of Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on Saturday (12 Oct) at the age of 60.

Known as “Singapore Sivaji” for his uncanny resemblance to the iconic actor, Asokan was a regular performer at cultural events in Singapore and Malaysia.

He reportedly collapsed and died at the end of a live performance, leaving the audience in shock.

Videos circulating on social media show Asokan dancing moments before he suddenly collapsed face-first as the emcee spoke to the crowd.

The sudden incident left onlookers stunned.

Seithi Mediacorp reported that Asokan’s final rites will take place on Tuesday (15 Oct) at 5 p.m.

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Animals

Controversy erupts as NParks sets traps for wild chickens following resident complaints

A video showing NParks contractors trapping wild chickens in Yio Chu Kang has sparked online controversy. Many netizens criticize the agency for targeting harmless chickens while ignoring more disruptive animals. They argue that chickens contribute to the local charm and should be preserved instead of culled, raising questions about the complaints received.

Published

4 days ago

on

14 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: A video showing contractors hired by the National Parks Board (NParks) laying chicken traps has ignited controversy online.

The incident occurred in the Cactus estate, located in Yio Chu Kang.

The video, first uploaded on 9 October to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, shows two men in green vests kneeling on a grass patch and setting up what appeared to be traps for wild chickens.

According to the original post, the contractors were responding to complaints from local residents.

In response to media inquiries from MS News, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management, confirmed that both NParks and the Cheng San Grassroots Organisation had received numerous complaints about free-ranging chickens in the Cactus and Sunrise estates over the past year.

The complaints cited issues related to disturbances caused by the chickens, referred to as “dis-amenities.”

Mr How explained that NParks is currently conducting “population management measures” to address the growing number of chickens in the area.

He emphasized that NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to managing animal populations, including free-ranging chickens.

These efforts include studying the birds’ population ecology, conducting biosurveillance programs, and implementing a variety of management strategies such as public education and habitat modification.

Mr How noted, “There is no one-size-fits-all management approach when it comes to addressing the multi-faceted issues related to free-ranging chickens.”

In addition, NParks collaborates with Grassroots Organisations to promote best practices in population control and engages residents by sharing tips on managing disturbances caused by the chickens, including the removal of eggs.

NParks also reminded the public to avoid feeding the chickens, as this contributes to their overpopulation and exacerbates the problem.

Netizens criticize NParks for trapping and culling wild chickens

Under an MS News Facebook post, many netizens expressed their opposition to the trapping and culling of wild chickens, arguing that they are harmless creatures.

Some users commented that they enjoy the presence of chickens, as they contribute to a “kampong” atmosphere in the neighbourhood.

One user mentioned that it is always nice to see chickens roaming around, helping to create that nostalgic vibe of home.

Another user shared their fondness for the sight of chickens, stating it feels reminiscent of the kampong days.

They suggested that instead of targeting chickens, NParks should focus on managing more disruptive animals like pigeons and otters, which can be a nuisance.

Several commenters questioned why NParks would catch harmless chickens while allowing other animals that pose more significant issues, like otters and pigeons, to remain unchecked.

One user criticized NParks for wasting time on chickens, emphasizing that they do not pose any threat to the public, unlike otters or wild boars that have attacked people.

Another commenter pointed out that chickens play a role in controlling harmful insects and pests, while otters contribute to the removal of pet fish in local ponds.

Others urged NParks to prioritize addressing the pressing issues posed by crows and pigeons rather than focusing on roaming chickens.

Many argued that NParks should aim to preserve nature by leaving harmless chickens alone and managing genuine pests instead.

A frustrated user criticized the authorities for succumbing to complaints rather than making decisions based on what is right.

They recalled a personal experience at Alexandra Village hawker centre, where they admired a group of wild chickens with a Malaysian worker, only to learn that authorities planned to cull them due to complaints.

One user questioned the nature of these complaints, urging NParks to clarify what is so problematic about having chickens in the neighbourhood.

They argued that these animals are harmless, self-sufficient, and do not bother humans.

As urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats, many believe it is unjust to deny them the right to coexist with people in their own neighbourhoods.

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