PETALING JAYA: Christians nationwide celebrated Christmas modestly in compliance with the prescribed standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb Covid-19 and in light of the massive floods that hit several states.

       In PENANG, local tourists driving to the state for holidays are keeping an eye out to avoid getting a parking ticket or their cars being towed away for obstruction.

       No council enforcement officers are allowed to take a year-end break as more than 50,000 cars from outstation are expected to be on Penang island from now till New Year’s Day.

       Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement and public education committee alternate chairman Mohd Suhairi Arumugam Abdullah said since the holiday season started last month, there were thousands of cars entering the island, especially on weekends.

       As a result, he said, MBPP deployed enforcement officers at strategic locations in the city to monitor traffic flow late into the night.

       “You can see them in hotspots like Penang Road and Chowrasta Market most of the time.

       “If they find any traffic violations committed by tourists such as double-parking, the officer on duty will tell them to move as soon as possible,” he said.

       But Mohd Suhairi said enforcers could not be everywhere to clamp down on illegal parking that obstruct traffic flow.

       Checks by Bernama found that colourfully-dressed devotees attended church service according to the capacity allowed under the SOP.

       Unlike last year when Christmas was celebrated in a restricted manner due to the movement control order, families could get together this year.

       In PAHANG, good weather after several days of heavy rain that resulted in floods last week allowed Christians to throng St Thomas Church in Jalan Gambut, Kuantan.

       The public were also seen at several shopping malls, taking photos and videos with the Christmas decorations put up there.

       In PERAK, Christians were seen at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh with some dressed traditionally to celebrate the joyous occasion with family members and friends.

       In JOHOR, Christian devotees visited the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Johor Baru where only 200 worshippers were allowed at a single time.

       In TERENGGANU, worshippers were at the Presbyterian Church in Kuala Terengganu to attend a Mass.