Non-Muslim Places Of Worship In Green Zones Can Restart Again On 10 June

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The government has allowed places of worship for non-Muslims in green zones to reopen again starting 10 June but Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said worshipers must adhere to preventive measures.

Among them, he said, is that there shouldn’t be more than 30 devotees at a house of a worship at a given time.

Ismail also added that those who are at risk such as senior citizens aged 70 and above and children who are 12 years old and below are not allowed to attend congregations.

Those who show flu-like symptoms will be barred from participating while worshipers who have a history of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and the like are not encouraged to attend.

Besides that, ceremonies such as weddings, funeral processions, feasts, any activities involving physical contact and gatherings will not be allowed.

As part of the SOP, Ismail said, body temperature screenings, the use of hand sanitisers and the wearing of face masks should be observed.

Ismail said only Malaysians will be permitted to visit these places of worship and these locations will only be open for one or two days per week, depending on requirements set by their respective religions.

Committee members must also clean the premises before they reopen and also provide counters for screenings and record keeping.

Once inside the house of worship, devotees should practice social distancing and are required to wear face masks.

After the congregation is over, worshipers must leave the premises immediately in an orderly manner and committee members should ensure that everybody has left the building.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that churches will remain closed until the Movement Control Order (MCO) is fully lifted despite the government allowing non-Muslim houses of worship to reopen.

For now, according to Council of Churches of Malaysia General Secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, Sunday services will continue to be conducted via online streaming.