Worshippers seen praying at Tua Pek Kong Temple.
Small turnout for Sunday prayer at Miri Buddhist Association.
MIRI: Several Chinese temples and places of worships here reopened yesterday to smaller crowd with strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in place.
A check by The Borneo Post at Tua Pek Kong Temple along Jalan Bendahara here found that only two of its four doors were opened with one for entry and another for exit with a numbering system to limit the number of worshippers to 30 in its prayer hall at any one time.
“When one person leaves, we let in those at the waiting area. Markings on the floor in front of deities and at the purchase counter for joss sticks and prayer paraphernalia remind worshippers to observe social distancing,” shared a temple spokesperson.
He added that temperature and personal details are taken at the entrance. Worshippers are also required to wear face masks at all times while thorough sanitisation within the premises is carried out at the end of each day.
“During the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), the temple is only open to the public on Sundays, every first and 15th day of the lunar calendar and birthdays of deities. It is closed on other days for safety reasons,” he said adding that the 107-year-old temple is one of the busiest in Miri.
Meanwhile, a check on Hai Long Si Temple at Krokop found it to be quite deserted though it reopened June 22.
At Miri Buddhist Association, only a handful of worshippers turned up for Sunday prayers.
“The smaller crowd is expected because many are not aware of the reopening or prefer praying at home. Nevertheless, we continue to observe social distancing, wear face masks and frequent use of hand sanitizer to ensure hygiene and cleanliness,” said a representative.