GEORGE TOWN: It was a time for renewal of hope and faith as Christians marked Easter Day, with many of them attending in-person service in churches.

       “It’s good to be back to the church, especially on Easter,” said engineer Ong Hui Sian, 47.

       Together with his family, he attended the service at Trinity Methodist Church in Jalan Masjid Negeri here.

       “For the past two years, we have been celebrating Easter virtually at home. It’s really different without the fellowship and not attending the worship in the church.

       “I miss the human touch and mingling with other churchgoers. Here, we can talk to people after the service, and check on each other’s well-being,” he said when met at the church yesterday.

       Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day, which is the most important date in the Christian liturgical calendar.

       In the past two years, many Christians had marked Easter Day at home due to restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19.

       But starting April 1, Malaysia began its transition to the endemic phase. This meant that the curb on the number of attendees in houses of worship had been eased.

       Ong said they were not comfortable joining the worship at the church last year as during that time, the vaccination process had only just begun for senior citizens.

       “All of us were still not vaccinated. Now, my two teenage children are fully vaccinated and well protected and the vaccination rate is also high among the country’s population,” he said.

       Prior to the pandemic, Ong said the church would be packed.

       “But now, we observe physical distancing, with each of us at least 2m apart if you are sitting on the same row,” said Ong, who came with his wife New Sy Sy, 47, and children Michi Ong, 16, and Caleb Ong, 14.

       Church pioneer Datuk Khoo Cheok Sin, 80, said that having face-to-face interaction was something he missed the most although he could still meet parishioners virtually.

       “I miss the church fellowship and the church sanctuary as this is the place I grew up. I like to sit before the altar,” he said.

       Although he has gadgets at home to attend online worship, he prefers in-person service.

       “The feeling is never the same,” said Khoo, who came with his wife Datin Yeoh Beng Lian, 80.

       Local Church executive committee chairman Daniel Khoo said the church still maintains the number of attendees at 100 although the actual capacity is 400.

       “We have even installed four ventilation fans in December to ensure good air circulation.

       “Each parishioner is seated at least 2m away from one another.

       “The congregation also has to pre-register before being allowed to join us physically. They can choose their seats inside the hall.

       “By doing so, it helps in contact tracing in case there is a positive case,” he said.