KUALA LUMPUR – The National Unity Ministry has announced several guidelines in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali festival on November 4.
In a statement today, its minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said the guidelines followed a special committee meeting on pandemic management that approved the standard operating procedures (SOP) for Deepavali celebrations under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Under the outlined SOPs, Halimah said states under NRP Phase 3 will only permit religious and prayer activities at non-Muslim places of worship for those who are fully vaccinated.
“Places of worship will accommodate according to the respective capacity of their premises, taking into account social distancing of no less than 1m.
“Religious activities and prayers will be allowed for places of worship between 6am-2pm and 4pm-10pm on that day,” she said.
Although dine-ins will not be allowed at places of worship, Halimah said it is permitted to hand out packed food instead.
Similar measures were also announced for states under NRP Phase 4, with the exception of operation hours allowed for religious activities and prayers.
In general, Halimah said, no public processions will be allowed on Deepavali.
“Deepavali bazaars will be permitted to operate, subject to approval and control of the local government.
“House visits among family members are allowed for fully vaccinated individuals in line with interstate-travel measures,” she added.
“Grave-visiting activities are allowed for the fully vaccinated in line with SOPs for non-Muslim burial management under NRP.”
Halimah urges the Indian community to celebrate Deepavali under the new norms by always abiding by SOPs, wearing facemasks, taking care of their hygiene, and ensuring social distancing in the efforts to break the Covid-19 chain in the country. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
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