The Federation of Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations in Penang today sent a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah to protest the decision on the banning of loudspeakers for the decision on banning the use of loudspeakers - apart from the call to prayer - for mosques and surau in the state.

Its secretary, Ahmad Yakqub Nazri said the memorandum was submitted to the king, who is the head of the Islamic religion in Penang, for him to not consent the decision which would be sent for gazetting by the state government soon.

He said the memorandum was handed over to an Istana Negara officer.

The ban on the use of loudspeakers was stated in a letter from the Penang mufti department dated Sept 1 on a decision by the state fatwa committee at its meeting held on July 1 and 2.

Following the ban, loudspeakers in mosques and surau in Penang can only be used for the purpose of azan (call for prayer) and iqamah (prelude to the prayer).

Ahmad Yakqub said the ban on the use of loudspeakers by the Penang government was against the spirit of the Federal Constitution which stated Islam as the official religion.

Also present to submit the memorandum were Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) secretary-general Zambri Mohd Isa and Penang Perkasa committee member Ahmad Ikhwan Nazri.

Meanwhile, Kepala Batas MP Reezal Merican Naina Merican, when met, said the Penang mufti department should clarify the matter to avoid confusion among Muslims on the new regulation.

However, the Penang Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) said the people in Penang should respect the decision by the Penang fatwa council.

It is not a political decision but by the Penang fatwa council chaired by mufti Wan Salim Mohd Noor, said its coordinator, Aidil Ibrahim.

- Bernama