In a statement, it said the SOPs differ depending on the phase under the national recovery plan (PPN).

For temples that are in Phase One of PPN, only 12 committee members are allowed to be present at the houses of worship while adherents are not allowed.

For those in Phase Two of PPN, religious activities are allowed but attendance at temples is limited to only 12 people including the committee members. The permitted operation time is from 6am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm.

For states under Phase Three of PPN, attendance at temples is limited to 50% of the capacity of the prayer area. The permitted operation time is from 6am to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm.

The states and federal territories under Phase One are Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Pahang, Penang, Sabah and the southern zone areas of Sarawak (Kuching, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Asajaya, Serian and Tebedu) are in Phase Two of PPN.

Perlis, Labuan and parts of Sarawak, namely North Zone (Miri, Limbang, Bintulu), Central Zone (Sibu, Mukah, Kapit) and West Zone (Sarikei, Betong, Sri Aman) transitioned to Phase Three of PPN starting yesterday.

The ministry said the Hungry Ghost Festival celebration is permitted in residences on Aug 21 and 22 subject to the type of accommodation.

For landed premises, the celebrations can be held in the compounds of the houses with the involvement of family members staying in the same house only.

For strata residential units, the celebration is allowed in designated areas and limited to the participation of a maximum of 10 people at any one time, with the agreement and supervision of the strata management authorities, it added.