Malaysia lowers COVID-19 regulations for the Chinese New Year, allowing for larger reunion dinners and house visits

Malaysia approved more flexible COVID-19 restrictions for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations on Wednesday (Jan 19), permitting family reunion feasts and house-to-house visits, among other things.

Unlike last year, when reunion dinners were limited to only 15 family members residing within a 10-kilometer radius, this year's reunion events, which are set to take place on January 31, have no such restriction.

Chinese New Year open houses, according to Minister of National Unity Halimah Mohamed Sadique, are not permitted.

Receptions for the Chinese New Year will be allowed, but only for invited guests and only up to 50% of the venue's capacity.

During a press conference, she stated that company or association receptions must be conducted in a hall or a restaurant.
These receptions, like open houses, cannot be hosted in the open or for an extended amount of time.

On February 1 and 2, Halimah stated, temple prayers would be permitted, subject to full compliance with the pandemic special operating procedures (SOPs) outlined in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan.

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