PETALING JAYA: New Covid-19 SOPs for the coming Chinese New Year appear to have courted flak from politicians who criticise the regulations that are set to restrict family gatherings and cross-border travel.
Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the government appeared to have made an error in its announcement, adding that amendments should be made.
“Someone has made a mistake here. This SOP must be quickly withdrawn and rectified,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Feb 4), attaching an image of the SOPs.
However, Ti did not elaborate on what the mistake might be.
Opposition leaders also weighed in on the new SOPs, with Selangor state exco member Datuk Teng Chang Khim questioning why factories, markets, night markets and hypermarkets were allowed to operate.
Teng also quipped that perhaps family members could now “visit” each other and have their annual reunion dinner at the night market.
“It is meant to be a satire against the illogical ruling. Please don’t go to pasar malam to have reunion dinner and celebrate CNY. Comply with the SOP, stay at home, stay safe,” he wrote.
This Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 12, is set to be unlike the celebration in previous years, with reunion dinners only allowed among family members living in the same house.
House-to-house visits and cross-border travel will not be allowed. Temple prayers are also restricted, except for five of the temple’s committee members.
The SOPs appear to have also drawn conflicted response from the public.
While some are critical of the new SOPs, there are also Malaysians who say that cross-border travel should at least be restricted to curb Covid-19, which has seen all time high spikes in recent weeks.
“It should be more stringent during festivities. If the case number is that high during Hari Raya, I also don’t want to go Raya. Better stay at home,” said Miera Rahim on Facebook.
Facebook user David Ho also weighed in, saying that if interstate travel was allowed, it could create an influx of travel among Malaysians during the holiday season.
“That is the main concern. Despite the leniency, we should stay at home as much as we can to avoid the virus from spreading.”- The Star