THE Covid-19 virus might have put the brakes on thousands of events in the country but not wedding schedules, as couples intending to get married are pushing their plans through.

Though many are worried about the impact of the deadly virus on their nuptials, three of them told The Malaysian Insight that they had either gone ahead, or plan to continue with their ceremonies.

They all said they’ve put in place precautions like providing hand sanitisers, avoiding handshakes and telling guests down with the symptoms associated with Covid-19 to keep away.

But those who had held wedding feasts noted that some of their guest thought it prudent to just skip the event.

The government said yesterday starting tomorrow, all business and religious activities in the country will be suspended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

All houses of worship and business premises will be closed, except for supermarkets, public markets, grocery stores and convenience stores selling daily necessities.

Muhammad Zaim Jasmi, 26, said some 20% of his guests stayed away from his kenduri in Butterworth, Penang, last week.

“We did think about cancelling but after spending the money on the reception, we decided to go ahead,” he said, adding that they had spent some RM20,000 on the kenduri.

Guests were encouraged to use hand sanitisers and told not to shake hands at the entrance of the hall as a preventive measure, Zaim said.

Masazuwa Mat Isa, 36, said his wedding reception last week went as scheduled and guests showed up despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At that time, there was no directive from the government on public gathering so people came along and joined in the merriment.

“We were worried but it worked out for my me and my family,” he said.

The couple spent RM18,000 and did provide sanitisers for some 1,000 guests.

As of yesterday, there were 125 new cases, bringing the total to 553. Ninety-five of yesterday’s new cases were attendees at last month’s tabligh gathering at a mosque in Sri Petaling. The total number of cases from the tabligh event is now 338.

Health Minister Adham Baba said the spike in cases has forced Malaysia to prepare for the mitigation phase of the pandemic.

This phase is the most severe level, he told the media yesterday.

This has not put a dampener on Muhd Shamel Suhaimi’s preparation for his wedding reception this weekend

He had sent out invitations to 2,000 people.

“I understand if my guests want to give the reception a miss out of concern for their health. I have told my friends who have the symptoms with Covid-19 to stay away.

“My family are providing hand sanitisers and are arranging for thermal detectors to check if anyone has the fever. If anyone has fever, my family will tell them not to go into the wedding hall.”

Shamel said he’s aware the government wanted to stop big gatherings but it would be difficult for him and his family.

“We have made all the arrangements. Photographers and caterers have been hired. Not easy to cancel at this time so close to the wedding,” he said of the event set for the weekend, at the end of the school holidays. – March 17, 2020.