National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique envisioned that a COVID-19 safety standard operating procedure (SOP) for the up and coming Thaipusam celebration will be announced soon.
According to MIC Deputy President and Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan, the announcement was made following a meeting that was held between the ministry, Hindu leaders and temple representatives.
“Yesterday, Halimah held a meeting with Hindu leaders and representatives of temples after the cabinet meeting and various matters were discussed.”
This statement echoed the response Halimah gave at the Dewan Rakyat that discussions with various parties were carried out earlier to iron out issues pertaining to the Thaipusam celebration.
Earlier, Halimah Sadique mentioned the the Dewan Rakyat that chariot procession remain prohibited due to COVID-19, in response to a question raised by Tebrau MP Steven Choong on the possibility of holding mass processions such as the Chingay celebration, which was said to benefit tourism.
In another statement made in the the Dewan Rakyat, Halimah responded “Honourable members, in the list of Thaipusam celebration activities, there is also a procession, the silver chariot procession.”
“So, in the application for the Thaipusam celebration, processions are not allowed.”
Thaipusam will fall on 18th January 2022.
Also read: Thaipusam & Chingay Processions Not Allowed Next Year Due To Omicron Fears
