PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have extended festive greetings to all Hindus on Deepavali.

       “May this festival bring the light of happiness and well-being to all Hindu devotees,” their Majesties said in a post on the Istana Negara Facebook page.

       Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed hope that Deepavali would be celebrated in harmony, respect and tolerance, with a strong spirit of unity.

       In a Facebook post on the Selangor Royal Office page, their Royal Highnesses hoped that Deepavali would be celebrated in a lively manner, but at the same time, to remain vigilant and comply with the standard operating procedure set as Covid-19 was still in the community.

       “We hope that the rays of light, which are the symbol of the Deepavali celebration, will be able to continue to radiate the spirit of unity between the races in Malaysia in facing the challenges and trials ahead,” the statement read.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said: “May this festival rekindle the spirit of unity in this country. Celebrate the festival with joy and apply the new norms.

       “Put on your biggest smile while celebrating with family members in the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) in our beloved country,” he said on Twitter and Facebook.

       MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong urged Hindus to celebrate Deepavali and also adhere to the SOP as Malaysia was still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       He also took the opportunity to wish “Deepavali Valthukkal” to all Hindus in Malaysia who are celebrating the festival.

       “May all of you continue to be showered with the light of joy and happiness and blessed with lasting good health,” the Transport Minister said in a Facebook post.

       Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah expressed his hope that in celebrating the festival with joy, Malaysians would work together to carry out their shared responsibilities and strive to help the country towards a safe economic and social reopening.

       “Always practise self-control and adhere to the standard operating procedure set. Improve Covid-19 self-assessment with TRIIS (test, report, inform, isolate and seek).

       “What we are doing now is crucial in the coming months, as a benchmark of our readiness in entering the endemic phase,” he said in a Facebook post.