A SURVEY by UCSI Poll Research Centre found 76% of its respondents agree with the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.

The majority of the 651 respondents think it is essential to restrict movements during the festive season, as 52%.7 felt people would not adhere to social distancing, avoiding closed and crowded spaces, and other rules if there was no SOP. 

UCSI, which released its poll results to the media today, did not say whether its respondents were polled on the initial SOP for Chinese New Year that limited reunion dinners to members of the same household, or the revised one that allowed up to 15 people at the dinner provided they live within a 10km radius.

Those who disagreed with the SOP were 24%, who said they felt uncertain how movement curbs could be imposed and followed if almost all economic activities were allowed to operate. 

Some 55.8% also said it was inconsistent to have the Chinese New Year SOP when economic activities were allowed. 

However, 46.8% said there should be a relaxation of rules during the festive season for people to reunite, while 34.6% opposed the SOP, saying the reunion dinner is exclusively for family members.

UCSI said the findings showed people wanted clarity on effectiveness of the movement restrictions when economic activities are allowed, coupled with the inconsistency in SOP announcements.

Policymakers should consider establishing an SOP that is consistent and less confusing, the university said in a statement.

On Sunday, after uproar on SOP that limited reunion dinners to people in the same household, the government said up to 15 people could attend the dinners if they lived within a 10km radius, without crossing state or district lines.

Other traditional Chinese New Year activities that remain banned are lion and dragon dances. – February 9, 2021.