The Malaysian Insight

WHILE happy with the amendments made to the Chinese New Year standard operating procedure (SOP), the Taoist community wants a one-day extension on temple openings so they can pray on the Jade Emperor’s birthday, also known as the Hokkien New Year. 

Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia (FTAM) told The Malaysian Insight there was still a slight error made by the government on the dates in the updated SOP released on Sunday. 

“I like to bring to the government’s attention that Taoists pray to the Jade Emperor, or Baitiangong, on the eve of the ninth day, which is February 19, starting from 11pm from homes,” said FTAM president Tan Hoe Chieow. 

“They will then go to the temples to pray on the ninth day of the lunar new year, which is actually February 20.

“Nonetheless we appreciate the government’s decision to allow the opening of Taoist temples for prayers on February 11, 12 and 19, subject to a maximum of 30 devotees,” Tan said. 

Previously, prayers at temples were barred, except for five committee members. 

However, under the new SOP announced on Sunday, devotees may enter temples on the eve, first and eighth day of the celebration, with no more than 30 people at a time, from 6am to 2pm. 

The National Unity Ministry said 30 minutes will be allocated and should be interspersed with sanitisation work for 30 minutes before the next prayer time. 

It also said prayer activities on February 19 in conjunction with the Jade Emperor’s birthday be confined to the respective temple courtyards at night. 

Tan said the association wants the government to allow devotees to pray at temples on February 20 as well. 

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) told The Malaysian Insight they are happy the government had listened to the people’s request to change the SOP. 

Its assistant honorary secretary, Lei Chin Seong, encouraged the Chinese community and devotees in the places of worship to comply with the new SOP. 

MBA has prepared videos of new year greetings and programmes to air from February 11 to 14 at 10am and 8pm via its Facebook and YouTube channel.

“The videos produced by youth from Hui Lin Yuan (Penang), Rumah Berhala Tzu Yun (Perai) and Hui Lin Xue Yuan (Selangor) are about utilising media to celebrate the lunar new year at home and have meaningful interactions with family members during this movement-control order (MCO),” Lei said. 

It will also share the origins of the celebration and tell the Buddhist’s way of celebration, such as lamp offering and Buddha puja, Lei added. 

Under the new SOP, 15 immediate family members living within 10km will be allowed to gather for a reunion dinner on Chinese New Year eve. 

“Family reunion dinner on February 11 is allowed with no more than 15 immediate family members living within 10km, without crossing districts and states,” the ministry said.

Last week, the government said only those living under the same roof could attend a “reunion” dinner. 

A vast number of people denounced the rule as nonsensical, as many had family members living within 10km of the same area and are not affected by district and border restrictions during the MCO. – February 9, 2021.