Today, Muslims congregated at mosques for their Friday prayers, as they would do every week, but this week the congregations were bigger.

Many states have issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the prayers, with Penang allowing up to 45 people to enter mosques and the Sultan of Perak allowing up to 120.

For Hindus, it is Thai Amavasai – the moonless night after the sun starts moving towards the northern hemisphere. It is observed with devotion and traditional rites.

It is considered a holy day as it is believed to be astrologically significant and comes a fortnight before or after Thaipusam, which is the full moon’s day in the Hindu month of Thai.

Several temples around the country have been given permission by the National Security Council to hold prayers today, subject to strict SOPs.

However, this is the first time the lunar new year is being ushered in during a movement control order, except for Sarawak.

Although, the current set of SOPs and the surge in Covid-19 cases would mean festivities are more muted compared to yesteryears.

A few days prior to CNY, Putrajaya revised their SOPs, following backlash to allow for religious activities in temples today, tomorrow and on Feb 19, although only 30 people are allowed at a time for half an hour.

Meanwhile, 15 immediate family members were allowed to gather for the annual reunion dinner yesterday.

Back in 1996 and 1998, CNY and Hari Raya fell on the same day.