SIBU, May 24: Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple is not celebrating Wesak Day this Wednesday (May 26) due to the risk posed by the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
Vice chairman of the temple, Tan Boo Chiang said today that the temple would be closed on Wesak Day despite the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the celebration already been released by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC)
“We will not open the temple on Wesak Day because if we do, devotees will come to perform the bathing of the Buddha statue,” he said.
With the closure of the temple, Tan said the traditional practice of burning joss sticks will also not take place together with the lighting up of candles.
“We are not confident that all devotees will strictly follow the SOP guidelines so that is why for safety reasons that we have to close the temple on that day,” he said.
According to the SOP for Wesak Day, devotees have to observe physical distancing of at least one metre when they are in the temple; that all attendances must register either through MySejahtera app or logbook and that they must put on face mask.
The temple management meanwhile have to provide either soap or hand sanitiser and temperature scanner.
Additionally, individuals who are suffering from chronic diseases, senior citizens and children, aged 12 years and below, are advised not to go to temples. This also includes those who are unwell or having symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, flu, and breathing difficulties. — DayakDaily
