Lion dance troupes allowed to perform in Sarawak for CNY, Chap Goh Meh

KUCHING: Lion dance troupes are now permitted to perform during the coming Chinese New Year celebration in Sarawak, subject to Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

This came after the state disaster management committee approved updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Chinese New Year on Monday (Jan 24).

According to the updated guidelines, lion dance performances would be allowed for four days from Feb 1 to 4 from 6am to 6pm.

Troupes could also perform on Chap Goh Mei, which falls on Feb 15, from 6am to 10pm.

The performances were limited to a maximum of 12 members and two lions only and must be held outdoors.

All troupe members must be fully vaccinated, including the booster dose, and do a Covid-19 self-test once a day before performing.

Those showing symptoms or listed as a close contact, person under investigation or person under surveillance in their MySejahtera status were not allowed to perform.

The guidelines also stipulate that performances could be held by invitation only, while the schedule of performances must be submitted to the divisional disaster management committees.

Lion dance performances were not allowed in the state's previous Chinese New Year SOP released on Jan 13.

It was reported last week that the state disaster management committee was considering an appeal by the Sarawak Dragon-Lion Dance and Wushu Association to allow lion dances during the festive occasion.