IPOH, March 15- The Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) has never and will not issue a directive banning the use of external loudspeakers to call to prayer in mosques and suraus.

JAIPk in a statement announced that this was following allegations by an individual who claimed the ban.

However, the department is subject to the Guidelines for the Use of Loudspeakers for the Call to Prayer issued by the State Mufti Department.

"After examining the evidence and weighing it fairly, taking into account the benefits and harms to the community, especially in the State of Perak.

"The State Fatwa Committee has certified that the Azan and Iqamah are permitted to be used using loudspeakers inside and outside the mosque to announce the time to enter and perform prayers," according to the statement.

The certification is to preserve the Sharia, elevate the Islamic symbols and appreciate the Sunnah practice of congregational prayer.

In the meantime, the community is advised to refer to the Mosque and Surau Committee, the District Islamic Religious Office and the Perak Islamic Religious Department to obtain clarification or real information regarding mosques and suraus as well as matters related to the community among Muslims in the state.

Last Thursday, a 47-year-old local man was investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on suspicion of uploading fake content with 3R elements (religion, royalty and race) that touched on religious sensitivities.

The content is believed to have been uploaded via his Facebook application page on March 9, claiming that the call to prayer through loudspeakers at the Ayer Kuning Mosque was not currently permitted.