Non-Muslim places of worship can open from June 19, if SOP-compliant

SHAH ALAM: Non-Muslim places of worship that have made preparations to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) can open their doors beginning Friday (June 19).

Selangor exco for health, welfare, women empowerment and family committee Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud told a press conference that the SOP includes 1.5m social distancing between devotees, as well as prohibitions on physical contact.

"We have given the guidelines on how to do social distancing and control entries and exits," she said.

Dr Siti had earlier attended a meeting with representatives of non-Muslim places of worship in Selangor at the state secretariat here.

She said she told the representatives that the onus was on them to ensure that the SOP and guidelines were adhered to.

Asked what would be done if the guidelines were flouted, she said,"My first step would be to advise them."

"If they flout (them) again, the authorities may have to close them down," she added.

According to Dr Siti Mariah, the Selangor government had also formulated additional guidelines to complement the ones from the Federal Government.

On the additional guidelines, Dr Siti Mariah said, they included things like who could go visit the places of worship.

Those who are unwell with symptoms of Covid-19, people over 60, people who are obese or suffer from hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and lung disease would not be allowed in.

Children below the age of 12 are also prohibited from visiting.