Standardise MCO SOPs for all festivals, says Terengganu PKR chief

 

Terengganu PKR chairperson Azan Ismail has suggested that the government provide blanket standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all festivals during the movement control order (MCO) period.

This would help to avoid any perception that the government has a political agenda and is not solely acting to prevent the spread of Covid-19, he said.

"The government's SOP on festivals is very confusing. If there is an objection, then the government will change the rules.

"So, this has the effect of seeming like there are political elements and not just to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"The government should create a standard guideline for all religious festivals," Azan (above) said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

The National Security Council (NSC) has repealed the maximum limit rule of "20 people per house" in the Chinese New Year celebration SOP compared to what was stated earlier.

The new SOP, however, maintains the rule that dinner in conjunction with the festival can only be celebrated by family members from the same house.

When the SOP issued on Feb 4, the NSC initially stated that large banquets were limited to a maximum of 20 people from the same house.

However, some Chinese associations today claimed that their demands were not met during discussions with the government regarding the Covid-19 guidelines for the Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 12 and 13.

Meanwhile, Azan added that the standard SOP for all festivals should be created following the increase in Covid-19 cases.

He added that with the escalating cases, it is was important for people to celebrate the festivals with strict guidelines.

"If there is no standard SOP especially for the festivals, people will be confused and question if guidelines are different for Malays, Indians and Chinese. So, we need a ruling (SOP) for that,” he explained.

For the record, after the Chinese New Year celebration, the next major festival will be when the Muslim community observes the fasting month of Ramadan from April 13 and this will culminate in Hari Raya Aidilfitri on May 13. - Mkini