National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Halimah Sadique showing the standard operating procedures (SOP) for Chinese New Year 2022 during a news conference at Putrajaya. PIX: AFFAN FAUZI / MalaysiaGazette / 19 JANUARY 2022 Chinese New Year's eve reunion dinner CNY open house
Menteri Perpaduan Negara, Datuk Seri Halimah Sadique menunjukkan laporan garis panduan SOP Sambutan Tahun Baru Cina 2022 di Putrajaya. Foto AFFAN FAUZI, 19 JANUARI 2022.

By Muhammad Azizul Osman

PUTRAJAYA – The Ministry of National Unity announced that reunion dinner is allowed during the Chinese New Year’s Eve this year.

However, its Minister, Datuk Seri Halimah Mohamed Sadique said that the reunion dinner is only limited to the closest family members without involving outsiders.

“Usually, the family reunion dinner is only attended by family members and outsiders would not join such feast,” she said while announcing the standard operating procedures (SOP) in conjunction with Chinese New Year 2022 at her office today.

Together with her is the Minister of Transport cum President of MCA, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Meanwhile, no open house is allowed during the Chinese New Year.

Halimah said, only Chinese New Year receptions are allowed, however, it can only be made at private area involving limited invitations.

“Only closed Chinese New Year feast are allowed on invitation basis. Only one session is allowed,” she added.

The permission is given at 50 percent of the capacity of the space where physical distancing must be practiced.

“Lion and dragon dances are allowed, subjected to the SOP of Creative Industry,” she said.

Besides that, special prayers ceremony on 1 and 2 February at houses of worship are allowed according to the Phase Four National Recovery Plan (PPN) SOP under the Opening of Houses of Worship.

Special prayer for the Hokkien community on 8 and 9 February and Chap Goh Mei prayer on 15 February are also allowed according to the SOP of Non-Muslim Houses of Worship. -MalaysiaGazette