Malaysia's SOPs for Chinese New Year 2022 celebrations: What you can and cannot do

These updated rules include measures to follow at places of worship, prayer activity guidelines, reunion visiting, and more from 31 January to 15 February.

Malaysia's Minister of National Unity, Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, has announced the relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will be in place during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration period, from 31 January to 15 February 2022.

The updated rules include measures to follow at places of worship, prayer activity guidelines, reunion visiting, and more, as follows:

General rules

1. All SOPs currently in force are applicable:
   1. SOP for Opening Houses of Worship Other than Islam; and
   2. SOP MKN - National Rehabilitation Plan SOP Phase 4 (Social Activities).
2. Responsibilities of the Management of Houses of Worship Other than Islam:
   1. The Management of Non-Muslim Houses of Worship must control and monitor the grounds of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship by ensuring compliance with the following SOPs:
      1. Open a health screening counter at the entrance, conduct temperature checks, and detect symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and flu.
      2. Ensure that only fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed in, by checking for COVID-19 vaccination digital certificates.
      3. Record attendance using the MySejahtera application or record attendance manually.
      4. Provide hand sanitisers at the registration counter and require the wearing of face masks.
3. Responsibilities of Believers in Houses of Worship Other than Islam (i.e. responsibilities of worshippers):
   1. Believers must ensure compliance with the following SOPs:
      1. Each individual is required to scan the QR (QR Code) on MySejahtera or write manually in the registration book provided as well, as scan their body temperatures and use the hand sanitisers;
      2. Only fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed in;
      3. Physical distancing of one metre must be observed.
      4. Wearing a face mask is mandatory.
   2. Non-compliance and violation of the SOP for Opening Houses of Worship Other than Islam, SOP MKN - National Rehabilitation Plan SOP Phase 4 (Social Activities), and SOP for Creative Industry (Live Performance) will have action taken against them by the enforcement authorities under Act 342.

Family reunion dinners (31 January) & prayer ceremonies (1 & 2 February)

1. Family reunion dinners are allowed.
2. Prayers are allowed in Non-Muslim Houses of Worship in accordance with the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship During the National Rehabilitation Plan Phase 4.

Hokkien Clan special prayers (8 & 9 February) & Chap Goh Mei prayers (15 February)

1. All Hokkien Clan special prayer activities are allowed in Non-Muslim Houses of Worship, in accordance with the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship during the National Rehabilitation Plan Phase 4 period; and
2. All Hokkien Clan special prayer activities are allowed in their respective courtyards at night, according to the Chinese New Year celebration tradition of the ‘Hokkien Clan’.
3. Chap Goh Mei Prayers are allowed in Non-Muslim Houses of Worship, in accordance with the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship During the National Rehabilitation Plan Phase 4.

Pilgrimage activities during the Chinese New Year celebrations (31 January to 15 February)

1. Pilgrimage activities are allowed.
2. Chinese New Year receptions:
   1. Only allowed for those who are invited.
   2. Not allowed for the public who are not invited.
   3. There should be no ongoing function sessions such as open houses.
   4. Allowed with 50% space capacity and physical distancing in place.

Lion/dragon/tiger dance performances:

1. Allowed subject to the Creative Industry SOPs: (Live Presentation) by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia.

ALSO READ: SOPs for Malaysia's National Recovery Plan (Jan 2022)

Photo / 123RF

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