This is for the entire country, including areas under the conditional movement control order (CMCO).

However, Ismail said devotees in areas under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) would not be allowed to attend prayers at temples or host any visitors.

He also announced that inter-district and interstate travel is not allowed for Deepavali, with those aiming to return to their villages or hometowns (balik kampung) to celebrate now unable to do so.

“We will allow devotees to attend prayers at temples on the first day, but strict SOPs will have to be followed,” Ismail said.

He said that not more than 30 devotees will be allowed in the temple at any one time, taking into account physical distancing measures and the area involved.

Temples will be open from 7am to noon, with the premises to be sanitised every half hour between prayer sessions.

Temples must have counters to check temperature and Covid-19 symptoms, and devotees have to register through the MySejahtera app or record their details before entering the temples.

Those with chronic illnesses, senior citizens and those under the age of 12 are not encouraged to attend the prayers.

Ismail also said there will be a limit to the number of visitors allowed at the homes of those celebrating.

Those living in condominiums smaller than 1,500 sq ft can host up to 10 people while those in properties larger than 1,500 sq ft can host up to 15 people.

Celebrations at landed properties are limited to no more than 20 people at a time.

Individuals are encouraged to wear face masks, practise physical distancing and regularly wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitiser.

Ismail said the SOPs for Deepavali were agreed upon by National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique and Hindu religious leaders.