Less than a week ago, Malaysia announced it was extending its Movement Control Order (MCO) until 18 Feb.
This, of course, meant that Malaysians wouldn’t be able to celebrate Chinese New Year, as residents would only be allowed out for daily necessities.
And since any form of gathering could increase the risk of transmission, the authorities announced the next day that visiting relatives for CNY celebrations wouldn’t be allowed as well.
Malaysians were disappointed, and understandably so.
But then something unexpected happened: the government made a complete U-turn.
M’sia Changes it COVID-19 Rules for CNY a Few Days Before the Festive Season Starts
On Sunday (7 Feb), Malaysia eased Covid-19 restrictions for CNY reunion dinners, just three days after announcing the initial curbs.
Now, provided they live within 10km of each other, up to 15 family members from different households will be permitted to dine together for their reunion dinner, said Malaysia’s National Unity Ministry.
The ministry added, however, that travel across state or district boundaries is still prohibited.
Religious activities in houses of worship will also be allowed on 11, 12, and 19 Feb, limited to 30 people each.
Prayers must be kept to 30 minutes and individuals must wear masks at all times, as well as observe safe distancing.
The house of worship also has to be sanitised and cleaned for 30 minutes before the next prayer session is conducted.
What Explains the Change of Heart?
Just three days ago, Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that CNY celebrations would only be allowed among family members from the same household.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the rules were derided on social media, as users pointed out that family visits within the same district have been allowed under the MCO but not for Chinese New Year.
Tan Hoe Chieow, president of the Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia, said that a virtual meeting between religious associations had been held on 12 Jan on this issue, and the associations had made some suggestions.
However, Tan said the Federation wasn’t invited for the second session on 18 Jan.
“We have given our input and it is up to them what they want to accept and implement. It is not right to assume that we have all agreed to the SOP (standard operating procedure). We only went to the meeting and gave our views. The final decision is up to the minister and the government”.
Now, possibly due to the backlash, the authorities have changed their mind.
MCO 2.0
While they’ve relaxed some restrictions for CNY, all states and federal territories in Malaysia are still under the MCO, except Sarawak.
Under this MCO – dubbed MCO 2.0 – more economic sectors will be permitted to continue operating, due to the devastating economic impact of the first.
Some of the restrictions in the first MCO will still be in place for MCO 2.0.
For instance, there will be a restriction on the number of people permitted to enter supermarkets at any one time.
Aside from CNY celebrations, residents are only allowed out for daily necessities.
Malaysia recorded 3,731 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, as well as 15 deaths.
The country now has a total of 242,452 Covid-19 cases and 872 fatalities.
Featured Image: Siti Nur Sahira / Shutterstock.com
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