KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has permitted the Hungry Ghost Festival celebration from Aug 8 to Sept 6 but under strict standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said based on the SOP from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the festival was allowed to be carried out from 6am to 10pm.
The organisers, however, must submit notice of organising the festival to Unifor for approval using the NRP/P2/HGF21 form.
Disclosing the SOPs for the festival via Zoom on Thursday (Aug 5), Wee said the maximum of people in indoor venues should not be more than 50 and for outdoor, should not be more than 100.
“Members of the organising committee must be fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are not allowed to participate in the festival.
“Those below 18 and senior citizens above 80 are not allowed or encouraged to attend the festival.
“It is also advised that those with comorbidities are advised to take precautionary actions and are not encouraged to attend the festival.
“The venues must be sanitised before and after the festival, including ensuring proper ventilation at the venues.”
The organising committee must also ensure that participants follow safety guidelines, including proof of vaccination and body temperature check.
Wee said those participating must record their attendance using the MySejahtera app or jot details down in books provided.
He also advised all participants to adhere strictly to the schedule and the organising committee needed to determine the festival’s schedule.
Also attending the press conference were Unifor director Richard Lon, the Federation of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions Chinese Associations president Datuk Richard Wee and Lim Fah San Monastery Association chairman Datuk Seri Tay Chin Kin.
