KUALA LUMPUR: There is no specific ban on visiting graves under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) outside festive periods.
The National Security Council (NSC) in clearing the air following criticism over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob visiting his parents' graves today, said there is no specific standard operating procedure (SOP) prohibiting grave visits under the NRP unless announced during festive periods.
Ismail Sabri today visited the graves of his father Yaakob Abdul Rahman and mother Wan Jah Wan Hamat at the Lubuk Kawah Muslim cemetery in Termeloh, Pahang which courted heavy criticism from various parties.
The visit lasted for about half an hour.
NSC director-general Datuk Rodzi Md Saad said prohibitions for grave visits only applied during festive periods where the practice was a norm for the people, for example Muslims during Hari Raya.
Outside festive periods, Rodzi clarified that there was no SOP that prohibits grave visits.
"However, general SOPs still apply, for instance observing physical distancing, wearing face masks and frequently sanitising hands while visiting the grave.
"In the past, whenever a festive period is approaching, the government would announce (additional) SOP to control Covid-19 infection and this would include visiting graves.
"During non-festive periods, there is no SOP preventing a person from visiting graves," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times today.