More economic sectors and all non-essential industries will be allowed to resume operations from today in all phases of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) with conditions, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Prime Minister said the move would benefit those who have completed their vaccination programme while the social and economic sectors, too, would stand to gain.
“These relaxations and benefits will bring some relief to the people – emotionally and mentally – and will gradually assist in the recovery of the country’s economy,” he said.
Two separate lists of 11 types of businesses under Phase 1 and 2 of the NRP were released in a statement yesterday.
The Prime Minister also said all non-essential industries such as manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying would be allowed to operate again from today in all phases of the NRP, in accordance with the vaccination rate of the workers.
In addition, all public recreational parks in states under Phase 1 will reopen for leisure activities to ensure the wellbeing of the people and reduce mental health stress.
Muhyiddin, however, said only individual activities would be allowed such as jogging, cycling and exercising in line with the standard operating procedure for sports and leisure.
“The public is only allowed to visit public recreational parks in their neighbourhood. Do not travel interstate or inter-district to go to other recreational parks.
“This relaxation is very important for the people to have more time in the open and have a better ventilation system than being just being confined at home.
“So, I really hope that this incentive will not be abused,” he added.
On the relaxation for the economic sectors, Muhyiddin said it would be applied on the condition that at least 50% of the adults in these states have completed their full vaccination.
“The decision was made based on the reports from the Health Ministry that the recent action by the government to address the increasing cases in the Greater Klang Valley has been fruitful with fewer patients in the emergency wards.”
Muhyiddin also pointed out that there were no cases in Labuan on Saturday.
“The operating capacity for non-essential industries, however, will be based on the percentage of employees vaccinated,” he noted.
In states under Phase 1, 11 types of businesses to be reopened are car wash, electrical and electronic, home and kitchen appliances, furniture, sports equipment, car accessories, car distributors and showrooms, morning markets and farmers’ markets, clothing and fashion, jewellery, salons, beauty shops and barbers (basic hair care services).
Under Phase 2, the 11 businesses allowed to resume operations are photo and photo services, used goods, florists and nurseries, crafts and souvenirs, antiques, toys, carpet, creative content and creative industry accessories, outdoor gadgets, cosmetic, skincare and perfume, and tobacco including vape and e-cigarettes.
The Prime Minister said for shops which sell clothes, fashion accessories and jewellery as well as salons, beauty shops and barbers, additional SOP must be followed.
“This includes wearing of gloves, limiting of time between workers and customers and no usage of fitting rooms.
“Only those with complete digital vaccination certificates are allowed to access these businesses,” said Muhyiddin.
A person is certified as fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose of vaccines namely Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Sinovac, and 28 days after receiving shots from single-dose vaccines such as Johnson & Johnson and CanSino.
“Data from the Health Ministry showed that as of now, the Greater Klang Valley (involving Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya) recorded a drop in cases under categories 3, 4 and 5 when the vaccination rates for adults are over 40%.
“The data from the Crisis Preparedness Response Centre for hospitals also showed improvements such as a smaller average of patients at emergency wards in the Klang Valley hospitals.
“But the ICU wards are still full as the treatment required is longer and more complex,” said Muhyiddin.
The Prime Minister said the government would not hesitate to withdraw the relaxations in the event of non-compliance with the guidelines.
“Once again, I would like to remind everyone, the relaxations provided do not mean that the people have gained absolute freedom. Every SOP, guideline and procedure must be adhered to diligently,” he said. - Star
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