As announced this afternoon by the Prime Minister, the current conditional movement control order (CMCO) has been extended by four weeks until the 9th of June 2020. Although businesses are allowed to open with the condition that they adhere to the stringent SOP, interstate travel for balik kampung during the upcoming festivities are still not permitted.
During his address, Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned that this doesn’t mean that Malaysians can’t celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri (23-24 May), Pesta Kaamatan (30-31 May) and Hari Gawai (1-2 June). He added that visitations will be allowed for close neighbours and relatives that are staying in the same state.
Small gatherings permitted
However, gatherings are only limited to a maximum of 20 people at any given time. He also advises Malaysians not to organise a huge feast or open house during the upcoming festive season.
As usual, all families must adhere to the health SOPs such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and practice good hygiene which include using hand sanitisers during the festive period. Everyone should keep their homes clean and to wash all utensils thoroughly after serving guests.
He added that the Ministry of Health has also advised the public to avoid crowded and closed spaces. Even while entertaining guests, a safe distance must be maintained.
SOP for mosques and other houses of worship
The Prime Minister has also mentioned that the authorities are working on an SOP for prayers and service at houses of worship. This includes prayers at mosques and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is fine-tuning the procedures required. The government is also going to announce SOP for places of worship for non-Muslims which include Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and many more.
It’s worth noting that Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had earlier mentioned that the government is not allowing people to visit family and friends as there was no way to ensure that social distancing is practised at the respective households. During a live talk show on Bernama TV, he asked who is going to take your temperature, sanitise your hands or do crowd control? He expressed concerns that the current special task force is not sufficient to check on each house’s compliance with the CMCO regulation nationwide. He said that the government doesn’t want the Hari Raya festival to create a new cluster.
