Here Are the SOPs for 2022 Chinese New Year Celebrations

Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, Malaysia's Minister of National Unity, has announced the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that would be in place during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration period, which runs from 31 January to 15 February 2022.

Measures to follow at places of worship, prayer activity guidelines, reunion visiting, and more are included in the updated rules, which are as follows:

 

General guidelines

1. All currently in effect SOPs are applicable:

   1. SOP for the Opening of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship; and

   2. SOP MKN - SOP Phase 4 of the National Rehabilitation Plan (Social Activities).

2. Management Responsibilities of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship:

   1. Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Management must ensure compliance with the following SOPs to govern and monitor the grounds of non-Islamic Houses of Worship:

      1. Set up a health screening station near the entry, take temperature readings, and look for fever, cough, shortness of breath, and flu signs.

      2. Check for COVID-19 vaccination digital certificates to ensure that only fully vaccinated individuals are admitted.

      3. Attendance can be manually recorded or recorded via the MySejahtera app.

      4. Hand sanitisers should be available at the registration counter, and face masks should be worn.

3. Believers' Responsibilities in Houses of Worship Other Than Islam (i.e. worshippers' responsibilities):

   1. Believers must follow the following SOPs:

      1. Each person must scan the QR Code on MySejahtera or write in the registration book provided by hand, as well as scan their body temperatures and use the hand sanitisers.

      2. Only people who have been completely vaccinated are permitted in.

      3. A one-metre physical distance must be maintained.

      4. A face mask must be worn at all times.

4. Those who do not comply with the above SOPs, including the SOP for Creative Industry (Live Performance), will have action taken against them by the enforcement authorities under Act 342.

 

Family reunion dinners (31 January) and prayer ceremonies(1 & 2 February)

1. Family reunion dinners are permitted.

2. Under the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship During the National Rehabilitation Plan Phase 4, prayers are permitted in non-Muslim houses of worship.

The Chinese New Year's SOP will apply from 31 January to 15 February 2022.
 

Special prayers for the Hokkien Clan (8 and 9 February) and Chap Goh Mei prayers (15 February)

1. Per the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship during the National Rehabilitation Plan Phase 4 phase, all Hokkien Clan special prayer activities are permitted in Non-Muslim Houses of Worship.

2. According to the 'Hokkien Clan's' Chinese New Year celebration tradition, all specific Hokkien Clan prayer activities are permitted in their separate courtyards at night.

3. In line with the SOP for Opening Non-Muslim Houses of Worship During Phase 4 of the National Rehabilitation Plan, Chap Goh Mei prayers are permitted in non-Muslim houses of worship.

 

Pilgrimage during the Chinese New Year celebrations (31 January to 15 February)

1. Pilgrimage-related activities are permitted.

2. Receptions for the Chinese New Year:

   1. Only those who have been invited are allowed.

   2. Non-invited members of the public are not allowed.

   3. There shall be no ongoing function sessions, for instance, open houses.

   4. Permitted with 50% space capacity & physical distancing in place.

 

Lion/dragon/tiger dance performances:

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia has granted permission, subject to the Creative Industry SOPs: (Live Presentation).

 

Source: Ministry of National Unity