Population Planning Criteria to Determine Construction of New Mosques

61 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what is the population planning parameter used to determine whether a new mosque will be built; and (b) whether such a parameter includes the (i) daytime working population and (ii) foreign workers.

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) plans ahead for the religious needs of the Muslim community. It takes a prudent and sustainable approach in building new mosques, which are funded by the community via the Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund (MBMF). MUIS takes into consideration key factors that contribute to the future utilisation of facilities, such as projected population changes as well as land development plans, including the building of new housing estates.

MUIS also monitors worship patterns on the ground, which includes Muslim residents as well as local and foreign workers, to ensure adequate supply of prayer spaces. Where necessary, MUIS works with the mosques and relevant agencies to provide additional prayer spaces, such as dual worship sessions for Friday prayers, and the provision of prayer spaces at dormitories. MUIS will continue to support the Muslim community in fulfilling its religious obligations.