Johor couple opted for 'drive-thru' wedding to prevent Covid-19

A newly-wedded couple in Kluang, Johor became viral recently after they held a 'drive-thru' wedding, believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia after the government relaxed its movement control order (MCO).

According to wedding photographer Mohd Farid Sahar, the event took place at the house of the bride, Norazura Mohd Ali, last Saturday.

He said the concept was adopted as a way to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Health Ministry to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"The wedding was held in front of the bride's house, and SOPs were set for guests to attend the ceremony without having to come out from their vehicles.

"Guests first had to get in line, where they would pass through a counter manned by Rela members who would screen their body temperature and record their details as per the Health Ministry's requirement," Farid said.

"Then they would pass a box which we call 'Salam Keruk', which is a Johorean tradition for guests to drop their money packets," he added.

"After that, they would meet the couple to extend their wedding wishes without any physical contact, and then they would pass another counter where the guests would be handed packed food that was prepared by a caterer," he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

It took only about one minute for each vehicle to complete the whole process, he added.

According to Farid, the idea was first coined by wedding planner Dinas Bridal and photography company Zenuz Production, which suggested it to Norazura and her husband, identified only as Agus.

He said the couple's families initially had reservations on adopting the concept, as it had never been practiced in a Malay wedding before.

"However, the couple was very supportive of the idea. And their families eventually agreed after being convinced that this would be a good example that can be followed by others," Farid said.

Photos and a description of the drive-thru wedding were first posted on the photography company's Facebook which went viral immediately after other popular Facebook pages picked up and re-shared the story.

The story on the 'Viral Media Johor' page, for example, had over 9,500 shares and 11,000 reactions since Monday.

Maintain SOP compliance as more economic sectors reopen today

Proposal to conduct wedding receptions in different sessions

No more multiple temperature screenings in shopping malls

Weddings, social events allowed from July 1, green light for Korban too