KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no Thaipusam festivities and processions allowed in all states except for Perlis and Sarawak this year.
This follows a ban on social activities in states that will be placed under the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the Conditional MCO (CMCO) starting Wednesday.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said other social activities banned in the affected states include wedding reception, conferences, religious processions, meetings, seminars, courses and group sport activities.
"For states placed under the Recovery MCO, such social activities are allowed to be carried out subjected to strict compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said.
Muhyiddin said the government was aware that self-isolation for a long period could be detrimental for the mental health of the people.
"Hence, to ensure a good mental and physical health, the people are allowed to leave their houses to carry out recreational activities only with members of their households.
"Please observe a two-meter distance from other people at any time. If you need to go out for a jog, make sure it is confined to not more than two people at one time.
"If you want to go out for cycling, please do not cycle in groups," he said.
Selangor, Penang, Melaka, Johor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will go under MCO for two weeks beginning Wednesday.
Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu will go under CMCO for the same period.