GEORGE TOWN: The new wave of Covid-19 infections in Singapore was a cause for concern for some devotees celebrating Wesak at several temples here, who took the precaution of wearing face masks.
Programmer Johnny Khoo, 58, who came with his wife, said he was using the mask to protect himself and his family.
“I am not saying I am worried about the latest infection wave in Singapore, but it is better to protect ourselves,” he said when met at the Penang Buddhist Association (PBA) at Jalan Anson to celebrate Wesak yesterday.
Singapore had reported 25,000 Covid-19 cases in the week of May 5 to May 11, compared with 13,700 cases the previous week.
Despite having received all vaccinations, Khoo, who contracted the virus in the early stages of the pandemic, expressed his reluctance to take any risks.
He is praying for his family’s health and for the country to prosper to greater heights this Wesak.
Another devotee, Chan Lim, 35, who was spotted with a face mask while praying at a temple, said it was not only important to take care of oneself but also the community at large, especially at a place with lots of people.
“Although Covid-19 is no longer a major threat to us here, I decided to wear a face mask as I wanted to be careful,” she said.
The two devotees were among thousands of people who thronged the PBA in conjunction with Wesak. Many came as early as 7am to pay homage to Lord Buddha on the auspicious day.
Meanwhile, over at the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA), a family of three were spotted with their masks while praying.
CK Ong, 47, said he and his family donned masks as a precaution.
“I have little children, so we have to be careful as I don’t want my family to be infected with any illness,” he said.
Ong said he took the opportunity to pray for everyone’s health and for the nation to prosper.
PBA trustee and chairman of the PBA Wesak Float committee, Lee Boon Hoe, said the PBA Wesak Float joined the MBA’s annual Wesak Day float procession yesterday.
Lee said in his speech that the aim of taking part in the procession was to encourage devotees to offer their respects to Lord Buddha, to be happy and thankful, and to sow the seeds of Dharma.
Present at the event were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Wesak Celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun, and PBA secretary Khoo Boo Hin.
