Thaipusam SOPs not yet finalised, says ministry after backlash

 

The Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Thaipusam celebrations have yet to be finalised, said the National Unity Ministry. 

The proposed SOPs still need to be approved in three different meetings beforehand.

These are the Pandemic Management Technical Working Group meeting, the Ministerial Quartet meeting, and the Pandemic Management Special Committee meeting.

“The SOPs for Thaipusam celebrations will be announced by the National Unity Ministry upon approval of the aforementioned committees,” it said in a statement today.

The statement came after its minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the proposed SOPs would not allow the silver chariot procession to take place, due to the looming threat of the Omicron variant.

She also said Chingay parades will not be allowed during Chinese New Year, while SOPs for Christmas celebrations will be deliberated on in a Dec 14 meeting.

Her statement drew brickbats from opposition MPs pointing to the country's high vaccination rate, the successful running of the Malacca election and public dissatisfaction over the ban on processions.

“If there are no processions, there is no celebration. So I urge (the government) to correct this matter and for this matter to be given attention,” Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Engagement session 

The ministry said it held engagement sessions between 10 Hindu religious leaders from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Johor, and representatives from the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

It was held on Dec 2 to discuss large scale celebrations planned for Thaipusam, which falls on Jan 18 next year.

The sessions discussed procedures for seven different activities surrounding the celebrations, namely temple prayers, kavadi processions, Paal Koodam (milk offerings), hair shaving, ritual bathing, the opening of stalls, movement of the silver chariot and the accompanying procession. - Mkini