Penang non-Muslim places of worship need state approval to reopen: Exco

Non-Muslim religious organisations in Penang looking to reopen their houses of worship can apply through their respective religious representatives or through the office of state executive councillor Chong Eng.

Chong, who oversees the portfolio for religions other than Islam, told non-Muslim religious leaders to do so following the announcement by Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the government has agreed to reopen 174 religious sites on June 10.

Ismail said the services would have to be conducted under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and only Malaysian citizens are allowed to attend.

Chong emphasised that the announcement does not necessarily mean that every religious site can be reopened automatically.

"The religious representatives need to submit their applications to the National Unity Ministry and obtain prior approval from the Health Ministry before the reopening is approved," she said in a statement today.

"Each religious organisation may submit their applications to their representatives. Then their representatives will compile a list and submit it to the National Unity Ministry for approval," she added.

However, Chong Eng said when approved for reopening, the houses of worship must strictly follow the SOPs.

It includes allowing entry to not more than 30 attendees (depending on the size of the religious site), providing hand sanitisers, scanning the temperature of each attendee and ensure the wearing of face masks when entering the religious sites.

"Only Malaysians are allowed to enter places of worship, seniors over 70 years old and children under 12 years old are prohibited to do so," Chong stressed.

The respective organisations for each religious group to make their applications through are the Malaysian Buddhist Association, Christian Federation Of Malaysia, Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Malaysian Gurdwaras Council and Federation Of Taoist Associations Malaysia. 

Chong said that the purpose of the notice is to let various religious organisations in Penang understand the reopening application process, while providing a platform for them to apply online.

"During this period, we received many inquiries about the reopening and some religious organisations are not under any of these religious groups. 

"Taking their situation into consideration, the Penang government has crafted an online application form to ease the process," she added.

For further questions regarding the reopening of houses of worship in the state, those affected can contact Paul Au (04-6505143 or 010-3759964). - Mkini