No big Xmas, New Year's Eve gatherings, says Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: Large scale Christmas or New Year's Eve celebrations are not allowed to be organised this year, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Heath Minister said that only small and private Christmas and New Year's Eve celebration gatherings are allowed at the moment.

"We are not allowing big New Year's Eve gatherings. For private New Year's Eve, as well as private Christmas celebrations, you will need to do a self-test before going to those events," he told a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (Dec 16).

On the the standard operating procedures for mosques, he said that it is the attention of the Health Ministry.

"We received a lot of requests and feedback to allow the distancing to be as normal. We are concerned over this and it is not like we do not want to allow.

"But we hope you can give us some time to see through the Omicron wave and perhaps we can come up with advice which will be presented to the Malay Rulers first," said Khairy.

He also announced that the mega vaccination centre (PPV) will be reopened to facilitate the roll out of booster shots more quickly.

It will begin in the Klang Valley first.

Asked about measures from travellers from the United Kingdom, Khairy said that they will have to wear a digital tracker and do daily self tests at home.

"For now, we maintain SOPs but should the situation change, we will update the public," he said.