PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has announced a list of protocols for the Hari Raya celebrations, including allowing full capacity for Aidilfitri special prayers and also allowing open houses to be held.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the congregation must always put on a face mask while being in the mosque or surau, and while in prayer.
"Covid-19 positive individuals are not allowed to participate in solat sunat Aidilfitri, and individuals who are symptomatic are not encouraged to participate.
"Indoor Hari Raya celebrations or open houses can be organised but attendees must put on a face mask. Positive individuals cannot attend and those with symptoms are not encouraged to attend," he said in a press conference today.
The government would also allow "takbir raya" in mosques and surau, as well as from house-to-house with face masks being worn.
"It is encouraged that only individuals who show no symptoms participate in takbir raya, and positive cases are not allowed to join."
Individuals who are not Covid-19 positive would also be allowed to visit graves, while putting on the face mask.
"These protocols are as a general guideline. However, it is subject to regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP) by the state religious authorities.
"This Aidilfitri is a blessing for us to celebrate with our families, relatives and friends after two years battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Therefore, in transitioning to the endemic phase, it is our responsibility to ensure that the festivity does not end in harm," Khairy added.
He said this freedom did not mean that the country had won the war against the virus, and the public should conduct self-tests before returning to their hometowns to protect those who were vulnerable.
Unvaccinated children and the elderly, especially those with comorbidities, were at higher risk of getting severe Covid-19 infection, he reminded.
"We are still in a pandemic, so we still need to be alert and be careful. The Health Ministry will continue to monitor developments internationally, especially on new variants that may impact pandemic management.
"But insyaAllah, (the situation is) controlled. After two years of not being able to return to their hometowns, the Health Ministry has done our best, so go home and enjoy Hari Raya."