PETALING JAYA: Courting couples looking forward to movie dates and those getting hitched are delighted that the government has now allowed social gatherings such as wedding receptions and the reopening of cinemas.
Freelance writer Rachel John, 28, and husband Edwin Gomez, 30, who just registered their marriage last month, were delighted with the news.
“Initially, we were wondering whether our big day would still go through when the MCO was announced in January.
“A week before the date, I called to check again and the slot for our registration of marriage was confirmed.
‘’We were both thankful and now, we can finally plan for our reception once the church confirms our slot, ” said Rachel.
On Tuesday, the government announced that weddings, engagements and receptions were allowed to be held in areas placed under conditional and recovery MCO.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said all types of social events, including official and unofficial gatherings, organised by the government or private sector could also proceed.
The couple, who are both from Petaling Jaya, said they met at a church retreat in St Anne’s, Bukit Mertajam.
The announcement also meant that the couple could travel between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to organise wedding plans.
“Our tailor is in Klang while my mum likes the saree shops in Masjid India. We will sort this out this month.
‘’We booked and paid the deposit for the reception hall, caterer,
photographer and videographer early last year even before the first MCO.
“Luckily, all of them have assured us that we can defer with no additional charges so long as they are still available, ” she said.
Teacher Kaveshantini, 29, and her sailor fiance Tiruvarasu, 31, had began planning for both their wedding and engagement since early last year.
“Our engagement took place last September when the cases were very low. And now, we are planning to have our wedding in July, ” she said.
Kaveshantini said they got to know each other through one of his colleagues who happened to be her cousin before deciding to get engaged after a year of courtship.
Student Jason Lim, 21, who is an avid movie fan, said he missed going to the cinemas with his girlfriend.
“Finally, some good news for us and we will go as soon as it reopens, ” he said.
For human resources manager Michelle Wang, 42, she looked forward to watching her favourite movies soon.
‘’I am glad that cinemas can continue to do business and welcome cinema goers again, ” she said, adding that she would adhere to the guidelines.
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