KUALA LUMPUR: Police will step up standard operation procedure compliance operations during the Chinese New Year festive season.

       Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Hazani Ghazali said patrols and operations would be increased to ensure the public complied with the National Recovery Plan SOP to curb the spread of Covid-19.

       “Police advise the public to comply with the SOP, especially with the coming Chinese New Year festivities which will be celebrated by the Chinese community.

       “Operations will be increased nationwide during this period,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Stern action, he added, would be taken against anyone who violated the SOP under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

       Under this year’s SOP, family reunion dinners will be allowed on Chinese New Year’s eve on Jan 31.

       On Wednesday, National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said that although there was no mention of a cap on the number of people who could attend the dinner, it was meant for family only.

       While open houses cannot be held, Chinese New Year receptions can be held but by invitation only.

       The reception cannot be held in multiple sessions and is not open to the public.

       Special prayers on the first two days of the Lunar New Year on Feb 1 and 2 will be allowed, with SOP under Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan in place.

       Special prayers for the Hokkiens, which falls on Feb 8 and 9, as well as prayers for Chap Goh Mei on Feb 15, are also allowed.