PETALING JAYA, Feb 5 (Sin Chew Daily) — Various religions bodies are appealing to the government for help, as places of worship will be closed during the Chinese New Year in hope of flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOPs) set by the government.

Venerable Jue Cheng, chief abbess of Dong Zen Temple who is also the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, said she had mixed feelings complying with the SOPs.

The objective to close the temples is to fight the pandemic but temples will be affected financially as many of them rely on donations from devotees during Chinese New Year to sustain their operating expenses.

Some temples may be put in dire straits due to financial constraints.

Venerable Jue Cheng hoped that the government would provide aid for temples.

"We accept the decision made by the government in good faith. Safety and peace are both very important.

"I believe all temples offer the service of lighting candles for peace. Please hold mass blessing sessions to pray for the end of the pandemic," she said.

Johor Bahru Tiong Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said the temple would abide by the SOPs announced by the government.

Asked whether blessing sessions will be held online, Ho said he would discuss with temple committees while waiting for the details to be announced by the government.

He also said the traditional chingay parade would unlikely be held this year.

"We will make a decision and announce during Chinese New Year," he said.

Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia president Tan Hoe Chieow urged the government to consider offering assistance to Taoist associations as the movement control order (MCO) has affected them.

He said he would write to prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin seeking help on behalf of 520 Taoist associations in the country.

The Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association president Dr Tang Chai Yoong said the association would abide by the SOPs released by the government to fight the pandemic.

All activities of the association have since been converted to virtual events, he said.

Meanwhile, Christian Gospel Mission Malaysia (CGM) said it would be complying with the SOPs until the situation has improved.

CGM said it had implemented strict SOPs during last year's MCO by taking its events and activities online without mass gathering.