As a faint moon rises and light rain pitter-patters on the sea of dark-coloured tudungs and white turbans, a corner of Alor Setar transforms into a scene that would not be out of place in the Middle East. "Hujan rahmat (blessed rain), this is a good sign," a woman whispers, gesturing to the sky. "The end of the world is near, choose Islam."

She takes her seat among several dozen women, some wearing full-face veils or niqab, in front of the building which during the day is a "Bundle Jepun" thrift store selling second-hand clothing from Japan.