PUTRAJAYA: The "20 people per home" visiting rule for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations referred to family members, not outsiders, the Health Ministry said today.
Its director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the issue "is not about the number" but compliance of the ministry's standard operating procedure (SOP), especially involving social distancing.
He said even with visiting family members, homeowners must prioritise the health of senior citizens as data showed that they were the most vulnerable group.
"The number is relative, it depends on the size of the house, in an apartment, 20 people is already breaching the SOP as it takes into account the confined and crowded space.
"For the host, maybe they need to look into staggering appointments or visits from family members.
"So when this takes place, make sure to practice at least 1m social distancing and protect senior citizens, no 'salam' and no kissing. Wash hands with soap or use the sanitiser before entering a house," he said in his daily Covid-19 press conference today.
He said based on the death toll in Malaysia, 50 per cent of the victims were 60-years-old and above and those with non-communicable diseases were (comprise fatalities) 85 per cent and above.
"Hence, if you cannot make sure that social distancing can be practiced, restrict visitations or balik kampung.
"This is a challenge to all Malaysians, but we must protect our parents and grandparents, the senior citizens.
"We cannot be sure that we are free of the virus, we maybe infected without our knowledge, so you may pass the virus to them during the visit.
"I hope Malaysians will adhere to the SOP issued by MoH," he said.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin said although 'balik kampung' was prohibited for Hari Raya, Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations during the CMCO, visits were allowed for those living in the same state, capped at 20 people at any one time.