New Taipei City’s Xiaguzi (下罟子) Fishing Port features a prayer room to serve the needs of those of all religious beliefs in the fishing industry. However, according to some workers, the prayer room has not been open for use since its unveiling last April.
One fisherperson said that many workers expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts at the opening ceremony. He added that, due to its doors being locked, many of his peers have been requesting the prayer room’s availability over the past 10 months and he expressed hope for its reopening as Ramadan approaches in the coming March.
Rerum Novarum Center Social Work Supervisor Lee Cheng-shin (李正新) stressed the importance of the prayer room, saying that spiritual support through religion can reduce issues such as alcoholism and work delay.
Lee also added that the operation of the prayer room is beneficial to the area. He said he believes that devoted Muslim people will dedicate themselves to the maintenance of its tidiness and surrounding environment. Calling for the attention of related government agencies, Lee said that he hopes the prayer room will be open soon.