SIBU: Ahead of the upcoming Hungry Ghost Festival on Aug 30, residents here are being encouraged to secure permits for conducting customary rituals openly during the occasion.
The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has issued a statement indicating that free permit application forms can be obtained at two locations: the SMC office (Level 20, Wisma Sanyan) and the UTC Counter (Level 4, UTC).
To apply for a permit, individuals are required to propose a suitable public area for the rituals and submit a locality plan to the SMC for approval.
“Approval for such applications will be considered if the proposed location is within a grassy area along a road verge, causing minimal disturbance to the neighbouring residential area, and posing no fire or health hazards,” according to the statement.
However, the statement stressed that conducting rituals involving the burning of large or high-risk items is strictly prohibited near roadways, buildings, public gardens, parks, or any forested areas.
The council maintains the right to revoke any granted permits if unforeseen errors or mistakes are identified in the approval process.
For rituals involving burning, permit holders are expected to use burning bowls, buckets, or small furnaces with a diameter not exceeding 50cm.
“They must personally oversee the burning and ensure that it does not extend beyond 30 minutes. After the ceremony, permit holders must ensure that the burning is fully extinguished to prevent fire hazards.
Additionally, they are required to clean up the designated location within two days following the ceremony.”
