Hundreds of churches seek to resume services

CORONAVIRUS | As Malaysia enters the recovery movement control order (MCO) phase, some 500 Christian churches of various denominations have reportedly applied to resume services that were shuttered for nearly three months.

Online portal The Malaysian Insight reported that the churches - all located in green zones nationwide - made the applications to the National Unity Ministry on June 6 and are also waiting for the Health Ministry’s approval.

Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Rev Hermen Shastri reportedly said that the new applications are separate from three Catholic and 64 Evangelical churches already permitted to reopen its doors for a weekly service on Sundays.

"We hope that the ministry will expedite this matter as we are ready to open with the necessary standard operating procedures (in place as required)," he was quoted as saying.

Along with the applications, other requested information submitted reportedly include the name of the pastor or parish priest, size of the congregation and built-up area of the individual churches.

"This is for the churches that hold daily prayers.

"They (government) should (review the restrictions on churches now that) other sectors, such as shopping malls, restaurants and public transport, are open," said Hermen.

He also expressed hope that the government will allow churches to open daily along with other sectors on the same condition of strict compliance with health and safety guidelines.

At the same time, Hermen urged the government to reconsider a restriction that currently bars foreigners from houses of worship.

"We have a lot of expatriates who go to church. We hope the government can look into this," he added.

Similar restrictions against foreign nationals have been imposed on mosques and other houses of worship, besides a limit on the number of worshippers allowed to congregate within the premises.

All houses of worship were ordered to shut down since early March when the MCO was first enforced, along with a majority of commercial premises.

Most restrictions have been lifted under the ongoing recovery MCO until Aug 31, replaced with new Covid-19 prevention guidelines. - Mkini