Kedah limits operating hours for F&B outlets, supermarkets

The Kedah government says many people are still flouting the movement control order by gathering at eateries and queueing without maintaining an appropriate distance.

ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government will limit the operating hours of several business premises and services during the movement control order (MCO) from 6am to 8pm starting today.

Kedah Industry and Investment, Local Government and Housing Committee chairman Tan Kok Yew said these include food and beverage outlets, workshops, spare parts shops, air conditioner shops, premises selling animal necessities, sundry shops and supermarkets.

“All these premises will have to close at 8pm, while 24-hour convenience stores can operate up to 10pm.

“Petrol stations and convenience stores within the stations can operate under their existing licence but are encouraged to close earlier,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Tan said the move was taken as there were still some people who failed to comply with the MCO and who were going about their usual activities such as gathering, eating and drinking at shops, and queuing without maintaining an appropriate distance.

“Their actions will undermine the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“Stop the habit of hanging out for a while and do not go anywhere unless absolutely necessary. Go to the nearest place to buy necessities or food in the shortest time,” he said.

He added that local authorities have been instructed to place personnel at supermarkets and convenience stores to advise those who do not comply with the MCO. - FMT