Malaysian Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shan said Hindus are in the midst of celebrating the nine-day long Navarathri festival.
The festival started on Oct 17 and will end on Oct 26. He expressed sadness over toned-down celebrations and in having to see some temples closed with the spike in cases.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the safety of the public was more important and encouraged people to take care of themselves and practise the new norms of physical distancing, wearing masks and constantly sanitising their hands.
“I request fellow devotees to be calm and accept the situation. Especially to those in the Klang Valley and also in Sabah, be calm as there’s nothing to worry about.
“Take care of yourself, your family and do your prayers at home,” he told FMT, adding that devotees could also take part in prayers virtually.
Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said Muslims who deliberately disobeyed the government’s orders, whether on wearing masks or staying at home during quarantine, were akin to committing sin.
“In Islam, it is mandatory for people to obey the authorities concerning things that are good and beneficial. What more if their disobedience can cause the virus to infect others and harm them.
“Let’s not be the agent that spreads Covid-19. It’s imperative for us to appreciate those who have fought and sacrificed their lives in fighting the virus on the frontlines to preserve the lives of Malaysians,” he told FMT.
He said the authorities have been working tooth and nail to combat the pandemic, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to protect the people.
Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) secretary-general Hermen Shastri said the whole nation was in this together, agreeing with Wan Salim on how the health ministry has been working hard for the country.
He advised Malaysians to play their part in breaking the Covid-19 chain of transmission by constantly practising new norms and avoiding crowded areas.
“In view of the conditional movement control order (CMCO), we must uphold those who are sick, lonely, unemployed, financially burdened and others in our prayers.
“Checking up on such people we know, or, by making donations to organisations that are helping such vulnerable people, should be encouraged,” he told FMT.
He said times like these also give the opportunity for people to reflect on how to build a sustainable society with laws that prioritise health and also protect the environment.
The three religious leaders urged Malaysians to keep praying for the nation and also frontliners, who put their lives on the line daily for the sake of the people.
“Let us pray together that God will bless them for their sacrifices, as they fight for our health and safety,” Wan Salim said.
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