And the wait is finally over!
New standard operating procedures (SOPs) were released by the National Security Council (NSC) in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebrations. In a statement on Thursday, 28th October, the ministry said the guidelines in each state will vary according to the stage of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) they are in.
The states that are in Phase Three of the NRP are Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak. Meanwhile, the federal territories of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan, as well as Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Melaka are in Phase Four.
Check out the list of SOPs that has been implemented in several areas:
For those in Phase Three of NRP
- Religious activities and prayers in temples (or non-Muslim houses of worship) are allowed only for fully-vaccinated individuals.
- Attendance limits are subject to the precise size of the prayer space while taking into account one-metre safe distancing.
- Religious activities are allowed specifically between the following duration:
- 6.00 am to 2.00 pm
- 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm
- No dine-in is allowed at the temples (or non-Muslim houses of worship) – food is only allowed to be distributed in packages.
For those in Phase Four of NRP
- Religious activities and prayers in temples (or non-Muslim houses of worship) are allowed only for fully-vaccinated individuals.
- Attendance limits are subject to the precise size of the prayer space while taking into account one-metre safe distancing.
- Religious activities are allowed only during the allocation time period set out for prayers for non-Islamic religious activities.
- No dine-in is allowed at the temples (or non-Muslim houses of worship) – food is only allowed to be distributed in packages.
In addition to that, the ministry also stated that general activities in conjunction with Deepavali such as parades are also not allowed. Deepavali bazaars are allowed but subject to the approval and monitoring of local authorities.
“Cemetery visits are also only authorised for fully vaccinated people in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for non-Muslim burial in the various phases of the NRP,” the ministry added.
To make this festive celebration special, make sure to practise safe social distancing with one another but a close Deepavali with your loved ones. Wishing everyone a blessed Deepavali!
