After the 14-day restricted movement order was imposed on 16 March 2020 (Monday), by our Prime Minister, the president of the Malaysia Chinese Cemetery Association announced that if the movement restriction order is not extended, all Cheng Beng Festival activities are to be postponed until after 31st March. 

He has issued a statement saying that the restricted movement order has clearly stated to suspend all religious and gathering activities. Thus, this should also be abided by the Malaysian Chinese community and avoid the festival activities during the period before 31st March.

 "The Cheng Beng Festival has 2600 years of history to date and it is a really important festival that has been passed down from generation to generation to all Chinese descents around the world. However, with the rising cases of COVID-19, it is a must to take preventive measures by postponing the festival activities to after 31st March and also to simplify the prayer rituals," he mentioned.

"According to Chinese traditions, the 10 days after the actual day of the Cheng Beng Festival (4th April 2020) are still suitable dates to carry out grave-sweeping activities. Besides that, families are advised to first do their Cheng Beng prayers at home and perform their filial piety, then only go for grave-sweeping activities once the restricted movement order is lifted," he added.

The president of the association also hopes that all Chinese Cemetery Associations across Malaysia can abide by the movement restriction order by the government and take precautionary actions as well.

For example, at the cemetery compound and other related public areas like the ashes towers, public toilets, and the Tua Pek Gong Temple, the management should increase the sanitary facilities by placing hand soaps at the sinks or hand sanitizers for people to use after their prayers. The management can also work together with health bureau assistance groups in measuring the body temperatures of the visitors as another precaution.

The Malaysia Chinese Cemetery Association is composed of 7 affiliates namely, the Klang Valley Chinese Cemetery Association, the Perak Chinese Cemetery Association, the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Cemetery Association, the Kelantan Chinese Cemetery Association, the Pahang Chinese Cemetery Association, the Penang Chinese Cemetery Association, the Terengganu Chinese Cemetery Association, and the Kedah Chinese Cemetery Association.