By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 21: Only temples in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions are permitted to open for the public on Wesak Day (May 26) from 10am to 2pm, but bathing of the Buddha statue is prohibited.
The latest standard operating procedure (SOP) released by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) today also allowed temples in other Sarawak zones to open on the same day but limited to committee members and Members of the Sangha only.
The entry limit for temples in Kuching Zone would also be capped at 50 persons for temples with over 1,000 capacity and 20 persons for temples with under 1,000 capacity.
For the other zones where the temples are open for a maximum of 20 committee members and Members of Sangha only, their operating hours are limited to one hour from 8am to 9am.
To those who are visiting the temples, SDMC advised them to avoid handshakes or any other form of physical contact and immediately leave the venue once the religious activity is completed.
Individuals suffering from chronic diseases, senior citizens and children aged 12 years and below are not encouraged to attend activities at the temples.
To the management committees of temples, SDMC said to appoint at least two designated wardens or two Rela personnel on Wesak Day to monitor the implementation and adherence to the SOP while keeping only one entry point and one exit point open.
Meanwhile, the committee also noted that temples and related activities are banned in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas. — DayakDaily
