Kedah MB: Allow food packaging factories to continue operations

Kedah Menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir has asked the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to allow factories producing boxes and plastics to operate although they are not listed under essential services.

Mukhriz (above) said they should be considered to be under essential services as factories producing food such as bread couldn't package them without boxes or plastics.

"Foods have their own packagings. For instance, plastics are used to wrap the bread. How to supply the bread without plastics?

"So we ask the ministry to allow factories producing packaging for foods to continue to operate," he told a media conference in Alor Setar today.

Mukhriz also said the state executive council members were in the midst of planning the best way to distribute food to those in need without making them come into close contact so as to observe social distancing measures.

"What's important now is that staples such as rice, fish, chicken, bread, vegetables, and fruits can reach those in need.

"We want to make sure the supply reaches them but we have to see what's the best delivery system.

"We don't want a situation where vegetable supplies are left to rot because they don't reach the consumers," he said.

Following Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement that the control movement order has been extended until April 14, Mukhriz said the state legislative assembly will be postponed until April 14.

"It will take place for a day. The sultan will officiate but he doesn't (necessarily) have to come," he said. - Mkini