JENJAROM, Jan 31 (Sin Chew Daily) — Dong Zen Temple’s Chinese New Year mass blessing started on January 28 to mark the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, and the lanterns will be lit up for 11 nights throughout the Chinese New Year.

Strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) were observed during the launch of the lantern lighting.

The special guests are two ministers – Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, three foreign diplomats – Pakistan High commissioner Amna Baloch, Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of United Arab Emirates Nouf Alkuwaiti and Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia Anne Hung, Selangor state executive councilor Datuk Teng Chang Khim, Kinrara state assemblyman Ng Sze Han, Jenjarom Happy Village committee members and others.

Ven Jue Cheng, the Chief Abbess of Dong Zen Temple who is also the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, said the Covid-19 pandemic taught members of the public to appreciate life.

“People are getting more depressed during the pandemic. As Buddhists, we help people and encourage them instead of only pursuing materialistic gains,” she said.

Although the guests are from different faiths, they took turns to deliver their messages in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

Dong Zen Temple is open during Chinese New Year from January 29 to February18, but the lanterns will only be lit up for 11 days.

Visitors are required to make an online appointment for permission to visit the temple.

Last year, devotees were not allowed to visit the temple. They `visited’ the temple via online sessions.

A total of 1,000 visitors are allowed into the temple at one time. To visit the temple, please make an online reservation at http://www.fgs.org.my/.