Saudi Arabia reports over 1,100 cases of encroachments on mosque utilities

Cairo: Saudi authorities have reported 1,147 cases of encroachments on mosque-linked utilities across the kingdom last year.

The encroachments included 865 violations of electricity supplies and 282 violations of water services, according to a breakdown from the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The ministry's Mosque Facilities Protection and Services Department stated in a report that the violations involved the illegal use of mosque electricity for gas stations, private properties, and farms, which led to an increase in electricity and water consumption rates.

The report also highlighted that 741 electricity and water meters, bearing the ministry's name, were being monitored as used by private properties, farms, and gas stations.

The ministry pledged to continue with inspection tours to ensure there is no encroachment or unlawful use of electricity and water meters, or exploitation of mosque facilities for purposes other than those for which they were intended. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect public funds and preserve the sanctity of places of worship.

The ministry also urged both citizens and expatriates to report any encroachments on mosque services or properties by contacting the unified call center at 1933 or visiting its branches across the kingdom to provide related information.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest mosques in Mecca and Medina, sees the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world throughout the year.