KOTA KINABALU: As the country begins its transition to the endemic phase, the Sabah government has updated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for non-Muslim houses of worship.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the attendance of all religious activities such as blessings, weddings, baptisms, funerals, religious classes, and social activities are now dependant on the capacity of the building with mandatory one-metre physical distancing.
"The operations are allowed from 6am to 10pm. (However), activities such as religious classes for children under 12 is prohibited," he said, adding that the SOP would take effect on April 9.
He added that children below 12 were not allowed at the premises unless accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.
Social activities such as kenduri, gotong-royong and others are allowed with physical distancing.
For funerals and last rites at non-Muslim houses of worship and funeral parlours, those paying their last respects and attending the funeral must be fully vaccinated.
Masidi said the attendance also depends on the capacity of the building and compliance to one-metre physical distancing.
They must also scan the MySejahtera app, have their temperature checked and wear a facemask, he said, adding that the funeral parlour and family of the deceased must also ensure that all the necessary SOP are in place and adhered to.
"Other social activities such as eating and drinking are allowed. However, activities such as social gambling and cock-fighting are not allowed," he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah recorded 198 new cases today, with more than half of them sporadic infections.
No fatalities and deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours in the state.
Masidi said 193 out of 198 new patients today were in Categories 1 and Category 2.