NO, the Grinch did not steal Christmas this year. Although carolling and open houses are not allowed, Malaysians can still celebrate this joyous occasion by abiding to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Malaysians should cherish the merriment of this auspicious day with family and friends, but they must adhere to the rules and protocols set, according to Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
“Sure, it may not be the Christmas you are used to, but by all means carry on with your holiday plans within the constraints of the movement control order (MCO) regulations,” he told FocusM.
Strict social distancing, adequate size halls and proper ventilation are necessary to stay safe while digging into that Christmas roast.
Although it is always good to visit elderly loved ones, Lim urged Malaysians to be cautious as they are in a high-risk group.
In addition, the safest mode of transportation is your own vehicle, opined the veteran safety activist.
“Public transportation is worrying, especially planes. Air travel should be the last resort,” he cautioned.
As it was announced yesterday, activities at non-Muslim houses of worship in the Federal Territory in conjunction with the Christmas celebration are allowed based on the attendance limit set by the National Security Council (NSC), Health Ministry and the Federal Territories Ministry.
In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur Department of National Unity and Integration said the permission is in line with the SOP and protocols on the Christmas celebration issued by NSC for the period during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) and the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
Attendance for prayers is allowed up to a third of the capacity of the houses of worship or not more than 30 people per session, it said.
Last Friday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that open houses and carolling in conjunction with the Christmas celebrations are not allowed throughout the country.
However, those celebrating the occasion are allowed to perform prayer ceremonies on Dec 24 and 25 in the areas under the RMCO and CMCO.
These are among the SOPs for the festival which also stipulates that visiting each other’s houses is only allowed on the first day (Dec 25) in areas where the RMCO and CMCO are being enforced. – Dec 23, 2020
