KUCHING: Temples in Sarawak will be allowed to open for one hour only for Wesak Day under tighter standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
According to the SOP released by the state disaster management committee and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), temples in areas under the enhanced movement control order will not be allowed to open.
Temples allowed to open can only do so from 8am to 9am on Wesak Day, which falls on Wednesday (May 26).
Attendance is limited to temple committee members and members of Sangha, with a maximum of 20 people.
The bathing of the Buddha ritual is not allowed.
"The divisional disaster management committees may amend the SOP for their respective divisions if the Covid-19 situation deteriorates," the committee said in a statement on Monday (May 24).
It said temple management committees must appoint at least two wardens or Rela personnel to monitor compliance with the SOP.
These include registering attendance via MySejahtera or manually, maintaining physical distancing of one metre, avoiding handshakes or any form of physical contact and leaving the temple immediately upon completing the religious activity.
"Individuals who are unwell or have symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, flu or breathing difficulties are not allowed into the temple," the committee said.
