KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese organisations were happy with the Chinese New Year (CNY) standard operating procedures (SOP) announced by the National Unity Ministry yesterday.
At the same time, the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall urged the Chinese community to follow the SOP during the celebrations with family and friends.
Both associations also encouraged those celebrating to get the booster shot for better protection against Covid-19.
Huazong president Tan Sri TC Goh said the SOP was in accordance with the Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan.
"The CNY SOP that was announced by the government this year is more relaxed compared to last year. This year, people can travel interstate to celebrate CNY with their families, have reunion dinner with no limit to the number of family members in attendance, make house-to-house visits and perform prayers.
"Although the CNY SOP has been relaxed, people must continue to take preventive measures during the celebrations," he said in a statement today.
He also encouraged the Chinese community to go for their booster appointments in order to have a peace of mind while celebrating CNY.
Yesterday, the National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique announced that family union dinners, house-to-house visits, prayers at temples on Feb 1 and Feb 2, Bai Tian Gong on Feb 8 and Feb 9 for Hokkien clan, Chap Goh Mei, as well as lion and dragon dances can be performed but subjected to SOP.
However, open houses are not allowed, with CNY receptions can be held but only by invitation.
"I am glad that lion and dragon performances are allowed this year as this can help the lion and dragon dance associations to sustain their operations."
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall chief executive Ong Ooi Heng said Chinse community would be able to have a more meaningful celebration this year with the relaxed SOP.
"I hope that the need for lion and dragon performances to apply for a permit, which is required under the creative arts industry, will not be permanent.
"We can understand that this has to be done this year due to the pandemic, but when things return to normal, it should not be a requirement anymore.
"As part of the traditions, lion and dragon performances should be able to take place freely during the celebration," he told the New Straits Times.
Ong also encouraged the Chinese community to get their booster jabs and reminded the public to continue adhering to the SOP.
"SOP must be followed at all times during gatherings between family members and friends," he said, urging political parties and Chinese organisations to strictly follow the "invitation-only" SOP for their receptions.
"They must not allow walk-in guests and must follow the SOP set by the government."