FOREIGNERS who want to practise their faith in houses of worship should not face discrimination but assisted instead, said an interfaith group.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) told The Malaysian Insight foreigners in the country legally have the necessary documents and have tested negative for Covid-19 should be allowed entry into houses of worship.

Council vice-president R.S. Mohan said the group will, however, respect the government’s decision and abide by all standard operating procedures now that houses of worship are reopened, albeit with a small crowd.

Putrajaya said last month 174 places of worship nationwide are allowed to open their doors from today. They comprise 84 Hindu temples, 15 Chinese temples, 67 churches and eight gurdwaras.

However, Putrajaya is only allowing Malaysians and the congregation is limited to 30 people depending on the size of the houses of worship.

“We believe there is slight discrimination because if the foreigners have documents and have tested negative for the virus, then they should be allowed to come for prayers,” Mohan told The Malaysian Insight.

Foreigners have their own beliefs and have not gone to places of worship in the last three months, he said.

“We respect the views of the government for looking into the people’s interests.  

“We understand with the high number of cases (among foreigners), the government does not want to have another cluster.”

The Health Ministry has said that 78% of Covid-19 cases since May 4 involved foreign workers.  

Mohan said while they believe that the government is doing the right thing, it can also look for a better solution.

No IC, no entry

Under the SOP, Malaysians who fail to produce their identity card will be denied entry into places of worship.

This is one of the rules designed to deter foreigners from attending prayers, Mohan said.

All those entering places of worship will be checked at the entrance. They will have to produce their MyKad but the particulars won’t be taken down.

“They will only have to fill in their contact details, name and we will take their temperature as instructed by the Health Ministry.”

According to the National Unity Ministry SOP, only Malaysians are allowed to serve as members of the management committee at houses of worship.

The management committee must also ensure that locals present their MyKad. Failure to do so will lead to barring of entry.

The SOP also requires that all committee members, religious leaders and staff undergo health screening before starting work.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government has lifted the conditional movement-control order (CMCO) and replaced it with the recovery MCO effective today until August 31.

Restrictions on interstate travel, some religious gatherings and meetings are among those to be lifted in the latest version of the order. – June 10, 2020.