IPOH: Those who want to pay respects to their dearly departed at Kek Look Seah Crematorium in Bercham here during the Qing Ming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) must first set an appointment.
Crematorium secretary KS Choong said this was to allow prayers to be held systematically without the premises getting overcrowded.
“By booking the time slots available, we want to provide convenience for all – we also want to ensure prayers can be held smoothly.
“We expect that there will be more people during the weekends and on the actual day on April 5,” he said when contacted.
Choong said people could start making appointments from now until April 17.
He said there would be 13 slots available between 8am and 2pm.
“Prayers are limited to 30 minutes, with a maximum of 10 people allowed in a group.
“Those who are fully vaccinated and those who have completed the 14-day requirement after the second Covid-19 jab are allowed to enter,” he said, adding that only two cars would be allowed in.
“We also do not encourage children aged below 12 and senior folk above 60 to come,” he added.
Choong stressed that the standard operating procedure must be followed.
“People must check in with their MySejahtera app and face masks must be worn at all times. Those with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and flu will not be allowed entry,” he said, adding that 1m physical distance must be maintained, and hands need to be sanitised regularly.
“We will have personnel to ensure people observe the SOP,” he said, adding that details on appointments could be sent to the crematorium via WhatsApp at 012-516 8969.
Perak Kwang Tung Association chairman Lai Kun Fook said its cemetery at Jalan Brash was open to the public.
Lai said people need not make any appointments and could visit and pay their respects at any time.
“They just need to ensure they observe the SOP like checking in with MySejahtera, wearing face masks and sanitising their hands regularly,” he added.