KUALA LUMPUR: Covid-19 safety standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Thaipusam celebration, including for the kavadi and chariot procession, will be announced by National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique soon, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (pic).

       “Yesterday (Friday), Halimah held a meeting with Hindu religious leaders and representatives of temples after the Cabinet meeting and various matters were discussed,” the MIC deputy president was quoted as saying by Bernama.

       He was speaking to reporters after launching the MIC Youth, Wanita, Putera and Puteri wings’ annual delegates meeting at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

       Saravanan also said that he had met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakub on the same day and received a positive response, in principle, regarding the Thaipusam procession.

       He said a meeting would be held next Tuesday with Hindu religious leaders and representatives of temples to discuss matters related to the celebration.

       On Dec 7, Halimah told the Dewan Rakyat that all festive processions, including the kavadi procession for Thaipusam and chingay in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, were not allowed as the country was currently facing a Covid-19 Omicron variant threat.

       However, after receiving criticism from various quarters, her ministry issued a statement that Covid-19 SOPs for the Thaipusam celebration have not been finalised. Thaipusam will be celebrated on Jan 18.

       Earlier, when addressing delegates of the four MIC wings, Saravanan urged them to change their way of thinking to navigate the party in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).

       He said the MIC could no longer be seen as a party that gave handouts, but one that created more jobs for Indians.

       “In the next 10 years, the world will face the IR4.0 challenge where many jobs will be lost. Therefore, we need to be prepared to face changes and challenges,” he said.

       He also urged the Indian community to change their way of thinking so that they can continue to succeed and face the challenges of IR4.0, and not just blame political parties.

       A total of 1,500 delegates from the four wings attended the event while the party’s AGM will be held today.