PUTRAJAYA MAY 13: The government has decided that Hari Raya Aidilfitri and other festivals could only be celebrated for one day with 20 people visiting close family members.
Security Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, the Aidiilftri could be celebrated only on the first day and not throughout 30 days like it used to be, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Depending on the size of the house, the number of people should not exceed 20 on the first day.
“While in the house, the standard operating procedure (SOP) should be followed with social distancing of one meter from one another, washing the hands with water and sanitizers, wearing a mask, and avoid crowded space,” Ismail said in his daily press conference here today.
Ismail said the decision was made in a special National Security Council meeting yesterday following the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Pesta Keamatan in Sabah and the Hari Gawai in Sarawak festivals are close to each other.
“Open house is not permitted around this time. The aim of the Movement Control Order (MCO) is to make people stay at home and avoid meetings outside,” he reiterated.
Ismail cited an incident in Bahrain where 16 people had an Iftar gathering but resulted in all of them were infected with positive COVID-19. In the United States of America (USA) four people died of positive COVID-19 after having a meal together.
Ismail added the Department of Road Transport (JPJ) counter has opened today and followed by other public services counter tomorrow.
Regarding sales promotion in shopping malls before Hari Raya and other festivals, Ismail said, the Compliance Operation Task Force team will be called to monitor whether the SOP like social distancing is adhered to by the customers and the business proprietors.- Malaysia World News
