All mosques across the country will suspend Friday prayers during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period to help the country break the chain of COVID-19 infections, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

"Follow the directives issued and replace Friday prayers with Zohor prayers at home with your family members," he said in a public service announcement broadcast on television stations on Thursday.

Zulkifli said the move was also in line with the measures taken in other Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

"Almost all agree (with the decision) in this kind of situation and all parties should obey the order of the government.

"Once again, my message is, pray Zohor at home, InsyaAllah there is wisdom behind it," he said.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday (March 16) declared a nationwide MCO effective March 18 to 31 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

This is the first time in history the government has enforced such an order.

A total of 110 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported as of noon today, bringing the cumulative number to 900, with the country recording its first two deaths on Tuesday (March 17).

-- BERNAMA