KUCHING, May 14: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has banned the organising of Hari Raya and Hari Gawai open houses this year in light of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas pointed out that the move was to prevent mass gathering and limit the number of visitors during the Hari Raya and Gawai Dayak celebrations which would only be allowed on first day of the festivals.
“On the first day (of the festivals), the capacity of visitors is limited to 20 persons whom are close family members and neighbours.
“It is also important to follow social distancing rule even at home,” he reminded during a press conference on Covid-19 here today.
Uggah also stressed on the activities which were prohibited during the festivals especially travelling back to ‘kampung’ (hometown) that would involve inter-district movement.
“This restriction also applies to all (workers) in the plantations, factories and so on.
“Besides that, visitations to relatives’ and friends’ houses are not allowed. So, I will not be going to have Gawai open house this year,” he said.
Elaborating on, Uggah added that visiting cemeteries to pay respect to ancestors, holding ‘Tahlil’ and Hari Raya feasting, all which involved gathering of people, are also prohibited.— DayakDaily
