ABOUT 500 Christian churches of various denominations have applied to the government to open their doors for services as the country enters the recovery phase of the movement-control order (MCO).

The churches made the application to the National Unity Ministry on June 6, and are also waiting for the Health Ministry’s approval to reopen.

The 500 houses of worship are in green zones, or areas free of Covid-19. Along with the application, they also submitted information, such as the name of the pastor or parish priest, size of the congregation and built-up area of the individual churches.

Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Rev Hermen Shastri told The Malaysian Insight that the 500 are separate from the three Catholic and 64 Evangelical churches that got the National Unity Ministry’s permission to reopen two days ago.

“We hope that the ministry will expedite this matter as we are ready to open with the necessary standard operating procedures (in place as required).”

He said it is hoped that the government will allow churches to open daily along with other sectors on the same condition of strict compliance with health and safety guidelines.

“This is for the churches that hold daily prayers. They (government) should (review the restrictions on churches now that) other sectors, such as shopping malls, restaurants and public transport, are open.”

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob last month said churches would be allowed to open only one day a week, on Sunday.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin last week announced the start of the recovery phase of the MCO on June 10, following the effective containment of the coronavirus outbreak. Save for businesses that involve large gatherings like entertainment outlets, nearly all sectors are allowed to resume work.

Shastri urged Putrajaya to reconsider the restriction barring foreigners from houses of worship.

“We have a lot of expatriates who go to church. We hope the government can look into this.”

On Wednesday, an interfaith group said foreigners who wish to practise their faith should not face discrimination.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism said foreigners who are in the country legally and who have tested negative for Covid-19 should be allowed entry into houses of worship. – June 12, 2020.