Eateries can still open for takeaways but not dine-in

CORONAVIRUS | Eateries can cater for takeaways but customers cannot dine-in during the restricted movement measure that will be imposed nationwide tomorrow, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi today.

He said this would also apply to restaurants, coffee shops and mamak stalls.

Alexander added that shopping malls, bazaars, pasar malam and roadside stalls which are not selling essential goods need to close for the next two weeks.

He said Purtrajaya's purpose in imposing the restricted movement was to prevent the spread of Covid-19 via social distancing.

"The actual instruction is for us to minimise the congregation of people in one area, so the instruction is to close (all these premises).

"So, social distancing is the main keyword here. If we open and many come to visit, it defeats the purpose," he told a press conference in Putrajaya.

Alexander, however, said supermarkets and other retail outlets that sell groceries and essential items would continue to operate.

Commenting on the panic buying before the restrictive movement measure was announced last night, he said there is sufficient supply of goods.

"We are confident .... that we have enough (supply).

"The problem is if panic buying happens, it can cause a lot of problems because everybody is rushing for it," he added.

[More to follow] - Mkini