Ensuring sufficient prayer spaces for the Muslim community

Question

Mr Zaqy Mohamad: To ask the Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether MUIS has studied the future growth of new BTO developments in Choa Chu Kang completing in 2016 and 2017 as well as the future Tengah estate to consider whether the capacity of existing mosques is sufficient; and (b) whether MUIS will consider a relocation of Al-Firdaus mosque to serve the new population growth area.

Response

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: MUIS regularly reviews the capacity of our mosques and works closely with national agencies, such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), to ensure sufficient prayer spaces for the Muslim community. Factors such as the growth of housing estates and demographic changes are taken into consideration.

In Choa Chu Kang and its surrounding towns, there is sufficient capacity at three existing mosques, namely Al-Khair, Al-Iman and Ar-Raudhah, to meet the demand for prayer spaces during regular Friday prayers in the next few years. Recognising that there may potentially be overcrowding on public holidays, MUIS has encouraged congregants to also consider worshipping at other nearby mosques with excess capacity. Maarof Mosque, the new mosque at Jurong West which is expected to be opened by 2016, will also provide more prayer spaces overall in the West. 

Al-Firdaus Mosque will remain at its current location off Choa Chu Kang Road to serve its existing congregants, as there are no immediate development plans for the area where the mosque is located.