Masjid At-Taqwa TTDI denies boycott claims, clarifies Ramadan attendance after viral post

SHAH ALAM - Masjid At-Taqwa in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, has rejected allegations circulating on social media that the mosque is being boycotted, clarifying that attendance during Ramadan remains strong and consistent with previous years.

Its chairman Datuk Mohd Fadzli Yusof said the mosque management takes seriously any remarks that could tarnish its reputation, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, proper governance and community engagement.

In a statement issued today, he addressed a Threads post uploaded by account holder @drfirdaus_92 on Feb 22 at 6.32pm, which referred to a lack of attendance for breaking of fast at the mosque.

He clarified that the image accompanying the post was taken before full congregational attendance.

"The post by @drfirdaus_92 was uploaded at 6.32pm and showed the mosque in a relatively quiet state before full congregational attendance. In reality, congregants began filling the mosque from 7pm onwards.

"As in previous years during Ramadan, the number of congregants attending to break their fast at the mosque this year ranges between 800 to 1,000 people daily. The mosque welcomes all attendees without condition.

"On certain occasions, additional food has been ordered to accommodate higher-than-expected attendance," he said.

Beyond hosting iftar at its premises, he said the mosque also distributes food to the public at the TTDI MRT station and delivers meals to unwell congregants at home.

He stressed that the mosque management remains focused on strengthening religious education and promoting proper conduct among congregants.

"Approximately 500 Muslim men and women perform Subuh prayers in congregation at the mosque each day. Youth and children engagement is also a priority.

"Recreational initiatives such as mosque-level carrom and e-sports competitions are also organised to attract younger congregants," he added.

The mosque emphasised that its administration complies with the Administrative Rules under the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) (Kariah Committee) 2019, as well as the Guidelines on Financial Management of Mosques and Surau in the Federal Territories and the Guidelines on the Management of Islamic Burial Grounds in the Federal Territories.

In conjunction with Ramadan, he said the mosque called for unity and mutual respect.

"In conjunction with the blessed month of Ramadan, the mosque calls upon all parties to make this Ramadan a manifestation of servitude in drawing closer to Allah SWT, while attaining the pinnacle of honour for believers, namely piety.

"Celebrate diversity within differences and nurture unity through shared values. Thank you," he said.

It was reported that a mosque in Kuala Lumpur faced criticism online after a social media thread was flooded with allegations of rude behaviour, double standards and cronyism involving members of its committee.

A Threads post on Feb 23 encouraged the public to attend iftar, stating: "Information: As of 6.32pm, there are still many empty slots for iftar at the mosque. Let us invite friends and family to attend."

The comment section subsequently shifted to personal grievances. One commenter wrote, "This mosque is a bit too territorial to the point that even those of us who have lived in TTDI for over 40 years try to avoid it. My family, at least."

Another claimed, "There was one year my elderly mom had her chair (the mosque’s chair, but still) taken from her whilst she was praying by some committee aunty because apparently that chair had been reserved for some VVIP coming. My mom was in the middle of praying. Imagine if she didn’t realise, she could have fallen and hurt herself. The least they could have done was wait for my mom to finish. Nobody prays 50 rakaat non-stop."

Another user claimed, "I rarely go to this mosque ever since they rejected performing funeral prayers for my late father, whereas Ghufran (mosque in TTDI) accepted without issue. There is too much cronyism and politics going on, probably why people hate it there."

Others described experiences they considered unfriendly towards children or congregants, including one comment that read, "Last year, my two-year-old was scolded by an elderly woman because he was playing peek-a-boo with me (his mum) in a whispering voice from the partition between the men’s and women’s prayer rows. I tried to understand her concern in case the partition might break and gave my sincerest apology as I did not want to disturb others, but the elderly woman was yelling, ‘Whose child is this?!’ I replied softly that he was mine. Since then, my husband and I have not returned to the mosque."

Another commenter wrote, "When I was in primary school, my mother was scolded by a committee member for wanting to use the mosque’s telekung. The committee member said that telekung was for ‘datins’, but unfortunately that was the only one available in the women’s section. Hopefully, the new committee members will be more empathetic and friendly. God willing."

As of publication, the mosque’s latest statement serves as its formal response to allegations of boycott and reputational concerns circulating online.