This follows public backlash after minister Halimah Sadique told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that proposed SOPs would not permit the Thaipusam chariot procession due to fears surrounding the Omicron variant.

The ministry said the proposed SOPs need to be approved by the pandemic management technical working group, the ministerial quartet, and the pandemic management special committee, Malaysiakini reported

The detailed SOPs will be announced after approval from the three committee meetings.

The ministry had said it had engaged with 10 Hindu religious leaders from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Johor, and representatives from the National Security Council and health ministry.

They had reportedly discussed procedures for seven different activities related to Thaipusam celebrations, such as temple prayers, kavadi processions, paal kudam (milk offerings), hair shaving, ritual bathing, the opening of stalls, the movement of the silver chariot and the accompanying procession.