KUALA LUMPUR: The standard operating procedure for prayers and other activities related to Christmas and Thaipusam are still being finetuned, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic).

       The Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet Meeting chairman said the focus for the Christmas celebration was on SOP numbers for prayer ceremonies, visits to family homes, live performances, house-to-house carolling and Christmas sale stalls.

       As for Thaipusam, he said discussions with Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan were on the SOP for prayer at temples.

       Also being taken into consideration are the chariot journey, the carrying of kavadi and paal koodam or milk pots, the ritual hair-shaving, the ritual bathing in the river and the opening of stalls.

       “The Health Ministry, police, National Unity Ministry and temple representatives will go down to the ground to scrutinise space capacity, logistical requirements, and stopping spots along the journey and the movement of the chariot.

       “It is important to understand that in deciding every SOP, the priority of the government is the safety and health of the people, especially taking into account the spread of the Omicron variant worldwide.

       “I also understand that at the end of the year like now, many will return to their villages and go on holiday with their families.

       “Please ensure the face mask is worn, avoid congested places, get booster shots if eligible, perform Covid-19 tests periodically, and most importantly, practise TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek),” said Hishammuddin in a statement.

       According to Bernama, Saravanan said in principle, the government and the National Security Council had agreed on allowing Thaipusam celebrations and the chariot procession as it is a religious festival, but several proposals were put up to control the spread of Covid-19.

       “We will finetune (the SOP) in the coming meeting,” he told a media conference after attending a Persons With Disability Career Carnival at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here yesterday.

       Saravanan, who is also MIC deputy president, said all strata of society, including Hindus, must be responsible for shouldering the burden to combat Covid-19 when celebrating the religious festival.

       On Dec 7, the government said all Thaipusam processions were not allowed due to the Omicron variant, but after receiving brickbats from various quarters, the National Unity Ministry issued a statement that the Covid-19 SOP for the celebration had not been finalised.