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KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese New Year celebrations are only allowed between members of the same house this year, Malaysia’s Chief Security Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
“Family reunion dinners are allowed in their residences only between members of the same household,” he said at a press conference on Thursday (February 4).
“Home visits are not allowed, as are interdistrict and interstate activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year,” he added.
Ismail Sabri, who is also a defense minister, said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival were drawn up after reviewing various aspects and advice from the Ministry of Health.
All Malaysian states, except Sarawak, are currently under the Movement Control Order (MCO) until February 18 to curb the spread of COVID-19, as the total number of cases exceeded 230,000.
The minister added that cultural activities and performances such as lion and dragon dances, lantern and chingay parades, as well as Chinese opera performances are also prohibited.
Prayers in the temple are only limited to five members of the temple administration committee.
“The Chinese community is encouraged to pray at home,” Ismail Sabri said.
READ: Reciprocate the government’s gesture of not shutting down the economy by complying with SOPs, urges Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin
He added that the federal government would let the Sarawak state government decide on its policy of celebrating the Chinese New Year.
In the same briefing, Mr. Ismail Sabri also said that three business activities (night markets (pass malam), barber shops and car wash services) could operate from Friday, with strict standard operating procedures.
These would include a distance of 1 m between each station, as well as separate entrances and exits.
Salons can only operate to cut hair, he added. Other beauty procedures are still prohibited.
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