NON-Muslim places of worship are not opening their doors yet as they are waiting for the complete list of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be finalised, said interfaith group the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

The group told The Malaysian Insight the National Unity Ministry is currently working out the SOPs to allow places of worship to operate and for weddings ceremonies to be held.

Council vice president and Malaysian Hindu Sangam president R.S. Mohan said leaders were informed about the new SOPs this morning at a meeting between the Hindu organisation and the ministry.

“The complete SOP is expected to be out in about two weeks’ time,” Mohan said.

“The new SOPs are for places of worship and wedding ceremonies.

“The opening of the places of worship will be announced by National Unity Minister (Halimah Mohamed Sadique).”

Yesterday, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government has decided to allow all non-Muslim houses of worship to reopen, but subject to state government rules and regulations.

He said the decision was made after the National Unity Ministry met with all non-Muslim religious leaders.

“Previously only 171 houses of worship were allowed open, today we have decided to allow all 5,230 houses to be opened.

“However, it is still subject to approval from the state governments,” Ismail Sabri said.

Putrajaya had given approval for places of worship to open on June 10, but with one-third of the usual capacity.

Mohan said the SOP is also to cover the religious and cultural aspects of wedding ceremonies.

“This will include how the cultural process can take place for Hindu weddings.

“They will also discuss seating and caterers as buffet style services are not allowed.”

He said the SOPs are being worked out with the Ministry of Health, National Security Council and the National Unity Ministry.

“They will come up with all SOPs for the places of worship to open.

“Once the National Unity Ministry finalises the SOPs, it will then be brought to the NSC to be approved and then gazetted by the Prime Minister’s Office.” – June 16, 2020.