KUALA LUMPUR – Christians in the country celebrated Christmas today on a moderate scale and in a spirit of goodwill amid a new normal.
Worshipers gathered at several churches opened at a limited capacity, except for areas under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO).
No large-scale open houses were held as gatherings are limited to a small number of guests comprising only close family members.
In Selangor, Christians began arriving at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang from as early as 8am for a religious service, and spent about 15 minutes there before returning home.
Pastor Frederick Joseph said this year’s Christmas celebration at the church was different from previous years, in that all activities were done in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities.
“Last year, about 1,500 worshipers and their families gathered at the church to perform prayer ceremonies but this year, we have to follow SOPs, considering Klang is still categorised as a (Covid-19) red zone,” he said.
In Perak, devotees attending service at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh were spotted wearing masks and following health SOPs.
Only about 100 Christians were allowed to enter the hall to participate in the religious ceremony, which started at 7am and lasted an hour.
In Negri Sembilan, it was a moderate but lively Christmas celebration for about 400 Orang Asli in Kg Orang Asli Tekir Mentera, Labu.
Headman Ramli Taka, 67, said the celebration for the Orang Asli community in the village took place among immediate family members at their own homes.
“Unlike in previous years, we are celebrating Christmas this year at home, in adherence to the SOPs set by the government,” he said.
In Melaka, Christmas was celebrated in a muted manner at the country’s only traditional Portuguese village in Ujong Pasir, as none of the usual cultural performances were held this year.
Village’s Development and security committee chairman Marina Lindadanker said no carolling from house to house were held on Christmas eve, in light of the Covid-19 situation.
“Usually, a week before Christmas, various activities and performances, which have also become a special tourist attraction here, are held,” she said.
In Sarawak, St Thomas’ Cathedral in Kuching, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people at any one time, today limited the number of attendees to only 200 people.
Sarawak's Disaster Management Committee had ruled that Christians in the state are only allowed to hold Christmas celebrations on the first day while visits are limited to only 20 people at a time.
In Sabah, prayer ceremonies were held at churches with limited attendance of congregants in full compliance with SOPs, including wearing masks and checking-in using the MySejahtera app.
Some Sabahans also took their celebrations online this year, holding virtual Christmas carolling to raise the spirits. – Bernama, December 25, 2020
