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KUALA LUMPUR – The National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Thaipusam celebrations have been drawn up based on recommendations submitted by temple management as well as health risk assessments and measures to prevent Covid-19 transmission.
She said the proposals and requests were presented to the ministry through engagement sessions with temple management of several states.
She explained that all the proposals were then brought to the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers’ Meeting for approval based on the need to ensure public safety and health.
“However, those who were not present during the engagement sessions issued statements claiming that I had made promises regarding the SOPs,” she said.
She said this after checking on preparations at Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, Batu Caves, today.
Yesterday, Halimah announced the SOPs, among which stipulates that only “paal kudam” processions (milk offerings), prayer activities and chariot processions would be allowed, but “kavadi” ceremonies are still not permitted during this year’s festival.
She said paal kudam processions are allowed from tomorrow to January 19 with the number of devotees allowed to be set according to the respective temple capacities, while prayer ceremonies would be held in sessions and movement of chariot processions should follow the set SOPs.
According to her, 12 prayer sessions have been set from January 16, 17 and 19 from 5am to 5pm, while 18 sessions have been set for January 18 from 5am to 11pm, with the number of people allowed according to the respective temples, which will have to be sanitised after each session.
Following the announcement, allegations were hurled against the ministry claiming that it did not listen to requests from Hindu devotees regarding the SOPs.
On the SOPs at the Batu Caves temple, Halimah said the temple management will provide permission tags to adhere to the ruling that only 6,000 devotees are allowed every day, and only 500 individuals can attend each prayer session. – Bernama, January 13, 2022
