Ismail Sabri: Celebrations only allowed on first day of Aidilfitri, Gawai and Kaamataan festivals

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are only allowed to hold celebrations on the first day of the upcoming Aidilfitri, Gawai and Kaamataan festivals and are reminded not to hold open houses or mass gatherings.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said although the National Security Council had allowed up to 20 people in a house for festivities, the public should use their discretion how many people should be together at one time.

“The movement control order is to ensure the public stay at home and avoid crowds to prevent them from getting infected with Covid-19.

“Although we have relaxed the rules, we are hoping that the public will take it upon themselves to prevent themselves as well as their family members – especially those in the high-risk group – from getting infected, ” he said on Wednesday (May 13).

Citing an example of a 600 sq ft flat, he said there should not be 20 people in the house at one time as this would make social distancing difficult.

Ismail Sabri said after the first day of celebration, there can no longer be visits.

“I know that we celebrate Aidilfitri for a month but this year, there can be no visits on the second day and so on.

“Please be reminded that open houses are prohibited, ” he said.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on May 24, while Gawai and Kaamatan are celebrated on June 1 and May 30 respectively.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, when announcing that interstate travel for festivities would disallowed, said that visiting neighbours and relatives within the same state would still be allowed, with a maximum of 20 people in attendance at any one time. - Star