Another major step has been taken in the direction of religious fanaticism in Malaysia. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) ruled Teranganuan kingdom announced on Monday (August 18, 2025) that the Muslim men who would give up prayers without a valid reason can now have to pay a fine of up to two years of jail and up to 3,000 Ringit (about ₹ 61,780).

The state’s information sermon in Malaysia and Sharia Empowerment Minister Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi said that this law is to remind the Muslims that the prayers of Jumme are not just a religious symbol but a symbol of obedience to Allah.

Earlier, in Terenganu state, only three consecutive people were punished for not offering prayers. That is, if a person does not go to the mosque for three consecutive times, then he was considered a criminal, but after the new amendment, he would be punished even after not reciting Namaz.

Malaysia’s political analysts believe that this change is related to the electoral strategy. PAS wants to strengthen its grip among voters by describing herself as the greatest protector of Islam.

Terenguanu has a population of about 12 lakhs, of which more than 99% of the people are Malay Muslims. In the 2022 assembly elections, PAS won all 32 seats and completely ended the opposition in the assembly.

Elections are going to be held in Terenganu in the next two years and in such a situation, this law can further strengthen the party’s religious staunch image. This decision of Terenganuan has launched a debate on social media.

Malaysian lawyer Azira Aziz said that it is contrary to the education of the Quran, in which it is written that there is no obligation in religion. He suggested that awareness campaign and education programs are sufficient for prayers, it is not necessary to make it a crime.

During the tenure of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, there is talk of increasing religious conservatism in Malaysia. Recently, a mosque was built in a place by demolishing a centuries -old temple, which was inaugurated by Anwar himself. Terenganu’s new law is believed to be a symbol of the fact that Malaysia is gradually leaning towards religious fundamentalism.