Sabah PAS Leader Proposes Temporary Surau at Ramadan Bazaars to Facilitate Maghrib Prayers
KOTA KINABALU, Feb 11 — Sabah PAS Commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan has called on local authorities to establish temporary surau or designated prayer areas at Ramadan bazaars across the state to ensure Muslims can perform Maghrib prayers conveniently.
Aliakbar, who is also the Karambunai assemblyman, said Ramadan bazaars are high-traffic commercial hubs where traders and visitors spend extended hours before breaking their fast. As such, providing on-site prayer facilities would allow worshippers to fulfil their religious obligations promptly without having to leave their stalls or search for nearby mosques.
He said integrating prayer spaces within bazaar grounds would reflect a balanced approach that respects both economic activity and spiritual responsibilities during the holy month.
“Ramadan bazaars are not merely marketplaces. They represent the values of the community. By providing prayer facilities, we demonstrate that business activities and religious observance can coexist harmoniously,” he said.
According to Aliakbar, the presence of temporary surau would help create a more organised and peaceful environment, especially during the busy Maghrib period when crowds gather to break fast.
For traders, he noted, having a nearby prayer space would improve time management and provide peace of mind, enabling them to conduct business in a more worship-friendly setting. Visitors would likewise benefit from being able to complete their shopping and perform prayers without unnecessary stress.
He added that a state’s blessings should not be measured solely by commercial success but also by collective adherence to religious principles.
Aliakbar expressed hope that local councils would consider the proposal as part of efforts to enhance the Ramadan experience and strengthen the spirit of communal worship and shared values throughout the fasting month.
-wilayah.com.my
