KUANTAN: Temple visits could soon be a whole new experience for Hindu devotees nationwide as they embrace the new normal adopted at the house of worship.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) last week submitted a set of guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the National Security Council (NSC) to get their views on reopening temples.
MHS president Datuk RS Mohan Shan said the SOP prioritised the safety of devotees during their temple visits and was done in accordance with advice from the Health Ministry.
He said among the proposals included in the SOP are for devotees to wear face masks, wash their hands or temples to provide hand sanitisers for devotees before entering the premises.
"All temple staff and devotees will be required to have their temperatures taken. Others include floor markings for devotees to maintain social distancing during prayers, limited number of people inside the premises depending on the compound size, separate entrance and exit, while devotees will have to also provide their full details for record.
"The MHS consulted and received feedback from several temple chairmen around the country before we drafted the SOPs. After compiling their views, we studied and prepared the new SOPs to adhere to the current requirements and forwarded it to the NSC," he told New Straits Times when contacted today.
Mohan said the MHS had submitted the proposal to the NSC on May 8 (Friday) and it will be reviewed by a committee before a decision is taken.
"The NSC replied informing us that the committee set up to review the SOPs will look into it. We are waiting for them to provide feedback.
"The government is expected to announce the SOPs for mosques, churches and temples soon and we expect to be part of it. We will wait and follow the instructions upon receiving the green light," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohan said when temples are allowed to open, the Thiruvizha (an annual celebration), Maha Kumbhabhisekam (a consecration ceremony) and chariot procession might still not be allowed.
"These ceremonies involve mass gatherings so there is a slim chance for it to be held until the end of this year. However, we will wait till June 9 or when the Conditional Movement Control Order ends before deciding on the festivals," he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said besides mosques, the government will soon announce a SOP for non-Muslims to pray at their respective houses of worship.