12 May 2021
The Malaysian Government have announced the 3rd Movement Control Order (MCO) which begins today until 7 June 2021. Malaysia Hindu Sangam would like to alert all Hindu Temple Management that all temples throughout the country can remain open for prayers but traditional weddings are not to be allowed.
The latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all non-Islam Places of Worship was released by the Ministry of National Unity yesterday. Important components of the SOP which should be strictly adhered by the Temple Management are as follow:
- 2 sessions of Prayer Time:
- Session I: 6.00 am – 2.00 pm
- Session II: 4.00 pm – 10.00 pm
- Number of worshippers allowed:
- Not exceeding 50 people for Places of Worship that can accommodate more than 1,000 worshippers.
- Not exceeding 20 people for Places of Worship that can accommodate less than 1,000 worshippers.
- Special Monthly Poojas and Festivals:
- Special Monthly Poojas such as Pournami, Pradosham, Ammavaasai etc. can be conducted in moderation, with controlled number of worshippers.
- Elaborate events such as Khumbabishegam, Annual Festivals, Chariot Processions ARE NOT ALLOWED as this will involve mass gathering.
- Registration of Marriage and Traditional Hindu Wedding:
- Registration of Marriage (ROM) are allowed at temples with Assistant Registrar of Marriage appointed by Department of Registration. Only 10 people including the Assistant Registrar will be allowed.
- Traditional Hindu Weddings ARE NOT ALLOWED to be conducted in temples.
- Other basic SOPs to be adhered:
- Prepare MySejahtera QR Code or attendance book.
- Recording of body temperature.
- Face mask is compulsory for all worshippers.
- Hand Sanitizer Gel/Liquid should be made available.
- 1 meter Social Distancing should be assured at all time.
- Carry out Cleaning/Sanitising of prayer area 30 minutes before and after prayer sessions.
- Senior Citizens and children are not encouraged to attend prayers at Places of Worship
Note: Full Eclipse of the Moon will occur on 26 May 2021 from 5.45 p.m. – 8.52 p.m. All temples are to be closed for this duration. Temples poojas can resume after cleansing of temple the next day.
Malaysia Hindu Sangam takes pride in serving the needs of all Hindus and Hindu temples in this country and is highly committed to ensuring the best for all Hindu Temples during this trying times.
Imbame Soolgha Ellorum Vaalga
