Government to Introduce National Guidelines for Disabled-Friendly Mosques – Zulkifli
TANJONG MALIM: The federal government is developing comprehensive guidelines to ensure that mosques and suraus nationwide are equipped with facilities that cater to persons with disabilities (PWD), aiming to create a more inclusive religious environment.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Zulkifli Hasan, said the initiative will be implemented under the Muslim PWD Action Plan and is currently being discussed with relevant stakeholders.
He explained that the effort goes beyond physical infrastructure and also focuses on strengthening educational and learning support systems.
“We have trained imams and teachers in Braille teaching methods. In addition, the Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan has sponsored the use of e-Braille and e-Dot systems to assist visually impaired worshippers,” he said.
He was speaking after officiating the MADANI Membantu: Ziarah Kasih Rahmah (ZIKIR) 2026 programme in Behrang.
Existing Facilities Need Further Improvement
Zulkifli noted that while some mosques have already introduced basic PWD-friendly facilities, further improvements are still required nationwide.
“Several mosques have received recognition for their inclusive facilities, including sign language interpretation during sermons. However, these practices need to be expanded more widely,” he said.
He acknowledged that nationwide implementation may pose logistical and financial challenges, but stressed that it can be achieved through careful planning and sustained commitment.
Community Programmes Strengthen Social Welfare
Meanwhile, Zulkifli, who also chairs the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia, said the ZIKIR 2026 programme reflects strong collaboration between the foundation, mosque committees, government agencies, and volunteers.
Key initiatives included distributing food boxes to 150 households, providing free petrol, and offering complimentary breakfast to more than 500 residents.
The programme also featured waqf service counters, advisory services, and free health screenings, enabling the public to access multiple services at a single venue.
-wilayah.com.my
