KL’s Sri Mahamariamman temple reopens for prayers

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman in Jalan Bandar, has been allowed to hold two prayer sessions a day.

Committee chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah told The Vibes that he received the green light from the National Unity Ministry last night.

The sessions will be from 6am to 10am, and 5pm to 9pm, starting today.  

“It’s true. We received the approval last night,” said Nadarajah.

“Devotees must follow the standard operating procedures – they must wear a mask and everything. 

“They must have their temperature taken. One session can have only 30 people.”

The approval letter from National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said the matter concerning non-Muslim houses of worship was discussed in a special meeting of the National Security Council on Wednesday.

It was decided that they will be allowed to reopen today, so long as they adhere to the ministry’s SOPs. 

“The Hindu prayer time (proposed by the houses of worship) will be from 6am to 10am for the morning session, and 5pm to 9pm for the evening session,” said Halimah.

“The responsibility of monitoring SOP compliance lies with the owner of the house of worship.

“This includes using MySejahtera as the registration app at places with widespread internet coverage. 

“An exemption is given to devotees aged 60 and above who do not have smartphones.” – The Vibes, February 12, 2021