Interstate travel in Malaysia for marriage, pre-wedding outdoor photoshoots now allowed

Those intending to cross states in Malaysia to solemnise their marriage must obtain police permission before travelling.AFP

PETALING JAYA — Interstate travel for the purpose of getting married is now allowed in Malaysia, and so are outdoor pre-wedding photo shoots, said Senior Minister (Security) Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He also said childcare centers can reopen from Tuesday (June 2).

For marriages, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri said those intending to cross states to solemnize their marriage must obtain police permission before traveling.

“The special ministerial meeting has agreed to allow interstate travel for the purpose of solemnization of marriage, with permission from the police.

“Those involved must follow the standard operating procedures (SOP), such as not having more than 20 people at the ceremony, practicing social distancing and avoiding the pressing of palms,” he said.

He said the meeting also agreed to allow pre-wedding photo shoots to take place starting from Tuesday in outdoor settings only.

“The photo shoots are, however, limited to pre-wedding and solemnization ceremonies, and subjected to the determined SOPs. Weddings are still not allowed,” he said.

Registered childcare centers have also been given the green light to operate from Tuesday.

Mr Ismail Sabri said that while 304 childcare centers had already been given permission earlier to operate, now another remaining 6,696 centers had also been allowed to do so.

This comes after the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry came out with satisfactory and comprehensive SOPs for childcare centers, said Mr Ismail Sabri.

He said the move would help working parents who had been unable to return to work because they had no one to look after their children.

Meanwhile, filming for advertisements and movies are also allowed from June 10, said Mr Ismail Sabri, adding that those involved must practice social distancing and good hygiene.

As for religious activities, including congregational prayers at mosques and activities at houses of worships, the SOPs related to those will be tabled at the ministerial meeting on June 6.

The SOPs for barber shops, hair salons and night markets will also be tabled in the same meeting.