Couples put marriage plans on hold

PETALING JAYA: Wedding feasts, as well as gatherings for tahlil prayers and the deceased (kenduri arwah), are not allowed during the two-week restricted movement order period, says the Health Ministry.

Those who defy the movement control order could be sentenced to jail for up to two years, a fine or both said the ministry.

On its “Sihat Milikku” Telegram channel, the ministry said many people asked whether such gatherings could be held from today until March 31.

“The answer is, NOT allowed. This is because they are social gatherings, ” the ministry said.

Provisions in Section 11(4) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, read together with Section 24(2) of the same Act, made such acts a criminal offence from March 18 to March 31, it said.

A 65-year-old woman residing in Shah Alam whose son’s wedding dinner was slated to be held here this Sunday, had to postpone the reception and inform her 550 guests.

The anaesthesiologist said that they would only be proceeding with the akad nikah (solemnisation) ceremony, inviting only the closest family members.

“The wedding reception has been postponed indefinitely because we have to make sure Covid-19 is under control before we plan for the new date which can be either at the end of the year or later.

“My son and his fiancée have been planning their wedding since they got engaged two years ago and while he is very disappointed, he knows that it is a global problem and we need to do what’s best for everyone.“My mum is over 90 years old and she was also very much looking forward to attending her grandson’s wedding even though she’s very frail.

“It’s a very sad situation. Hopefully she will be around when the reception is held in the future, ” she said.

She added that her husband was currently trying to get their full deposit back for the wedding venue and the organiser had promised to look into the matter.

S. Mithra Vani, 27, whose wedding was supposed to be held on Saturday, has also indefinitely postponed her big day, which she has planned for since getting engaged early last year.

Mithra Vani, a pharmacist, said that her family has invited over 1,000 people to the reception, which was supposed to take place in Penang.

“I really don’t know when I can hold the wedding reception in the future. I just pray that things will get better and return to normal for the whole world soon, ” she said, adding that her caterer and wedding venue organiser kept her deposit while waiting for a new date.

Writer Lily Yusof, 27, had to postpone her wedding reception and possibly even her akad nikah slated for this Sunday in Kelana Jaya.

“For akad nikah, only a small group would be allowed, so we are still considering whether or not to continue.