SOPs for non-Muslim places of worship tomorrow, says Hindu group

The National Security Council will announce standard operating procedures (SOPs) that would allow the reopening of non-Muslim places of worship on Thursday, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam said.

In a statement, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shan said this was the outcome of the NSC’s conditional movement control order action committee meeting yesterday morning.

Mohan said an announcement was supposed to have been made yesterday, but this was postponed to Thursday.

“During this meeting, the NSC had decided that places of worship will not be allowed to be opened daily for the public but only on one or two important days in a week, with limited prayer hours and a limited number of devotees.

“The Unity Ministry’s proposed SOP will be further reviewed and a decision will be made on Thursday. The above decision will apply to all Hindu temples throughout the country.

“Malaysia Hindu Sangam humbly urges all temples to remain closed until a decision is made and a further announcement is made by the NSC, taking into account the current situation of Covid-19 in the country,” Mohan said yesterday.

At present, only Muslim places of worship are allowed to open in some states, but this is subject to strict procedures to mitigate the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Among others, the number of worshippers during Friday prayers may not exceed 30 people and the congregation would be selected and invited by the mosque or surau committees. - Mkini