Zaqy Mohamad on stronger safeguards for minors in mosques and external religious classes

Singapore’s mosques already have measures in place, such as pre-employment staff screening and approval requirements for external religious classes. These safeguards matter, but rules alone are not enough, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad. Replying to parliamentary questions on Tuesday (Sep 8), he stressed the need to build a shared sense of responsibility and partnership with mosques, parents, children and volunteers. He told the House that he has asked the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to work with mosques, parents and the community to strengthen the safeguards. He will convene a committee to review the safeguards across religious institutions and propose measures to strengthen them. The committee will focus on two areas - whether existing safeguards to protect minors can be further strengthened and how the community can access religious guidance safely. Its findings will be shared with the community, he added.