Non-Muslim houses of worship waiting for SOP

Non-Muslim houses of worship are waiting for the state government to come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP) before reopening.

Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said temples here had yet to decide whether to open its doors on June 10.

“We have yet to have any official meeting with temples on the matter as we are still waiting for the state government to announce the SOP.

“We will only start making the necessary preparations once we have a better idea on the guidelines to adhere to,” he said yesterday.

Sri Balasubramaniam temple chairman Datuk KS Balakrishnan said the temple was prepared to follow the SOP.

“We are happy with the announcement as it will allow devotees to set foot into the temple again after so long,” he said.

Pastor Sebastian Benjamin of Calvary City Church said they would continue to keep its services online for the time being.

“We’ve been using social media since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented in March.

“For now, we have decided to continue and not have any gathering as we do not want the disease to spread, especially as there is a significant number of senior citizens and young children,” he said.

Johor Unity, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Dr Chong Fat Full said he would be meeting with the state National Unity and Integration Department director to discuss the SOP.