MCO 2.0: Allow F&B outlets to operate normal hours - opposition MPs

 

Operating hours for food and beverage outlets in areas under the second movement control order (MCO 2.0) should be extended beyond the current 8pm closing time, said 21 opposition MPs.

The MPs from Harapan, Warisan and Pejuang, in a joint statement, said the venues should be allowed to operate their normal hours given other restrictions under the MCO 2.0 standard operating procedures.

"We urge the Perikatan Nasional government to allow all food and beverage outlets to operate according to their licenses and not be limited to 8pm given the ban on dine-in and sales are restricted to takeaway, drive-through or home delivery.

"The current operating hours are burdensome for those who needed to buy food after their working hours.

"Allowing the outlets to operate normal hours will help to recover their businesses, boost the income of food delivery riders and will encourage people to stay home as they can order food beyond 8pm," they said.

They explained that, with the 8pm closing time, most dining outlets will close their kitchen at around 7.30pm, giving a very small window for those who are still required to work normal hours to order their food.

Meanwhile, the MPs also urged the government to extend the current loan moratorium for at least another six months, as a way to help business owners absorb their operations cost.

Unlike the nationwide MCO last year, the current MCO 2.0 is being enforced in six states and other targeted areas that recorded a high number of Covid-19 positive cases, with the rest subjected to less stringent recovery MCO standard operating procedures.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the current MCO 2.0 would be in effect until Jan 26.

The 21 MPs are as follows:

Selangau MP Baru Bian

Sungai Buloh MP Sivarasa Rasiah

Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye

Merbok MP Nor Azrina Surip @ Nurin Aina

Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah

Pulai MP Salahuddin Ayub

Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad

Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto

Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok

Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh

Bakri MP Yeo Bee Yin

Penampang MP Ignatius Darell Leiking

Sepanggar MP Mohd Azis Jamman

Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis

Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik

Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

- Mkini