SINGAPORE - Plans to build new mosques, including one in Tampines North, will be deferred in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) will instead prioritise the upgrading of existing mosques, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli on Saturday (May 8). This decision comes after Muis carried out a review of its Mosque Upgrading Programme to ensure greater prudence in spending community funds, said the minister, who was speaking at Muis' annual workplan seminar that was held virtually this year. Over the past five years, $60 million from the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund - a community fund contributed to by Muslim workers - has been used to build two new mosques and upgrade 11 existing ones. But Mr Masagos noted that the livelihood of many workers has been affected by the pandemic. "We expect the recovery from the crisis to take some time, and the coming years will continue to be challenging for the community," he said. The minister said plans to build new mosques will be reviewed when the economy recovers. Meanwhile, ongoing works to upgrade the Bencoolen, Malabar and Khalid Mosques are expected to be completed by the e...