Sarawak orders eateries to close by 8pm

CORONAVIRUS | The Sarawak government has ordered all eateries and shops selling food and drinks to close by 8pm for the duration of the movement control order.

In a circular issued by Sarawak Local Government and Housing Ministry  Permanent Secretary Antonio Kahti Galis, the announcement was made effective last night.

"In line with the declaration of the movement control order covering March 18-31 by the Chief Minister of Sarawak (Abang Johari Openg), all shops selling food and drinks, kopitiam shops and food and beverage outlets are instructed to close at 8pm every day until further notice," Antoni said.

The state government called for the awareness and cooperation of its citizens in enforcing this measure.

Under the movement control measures announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday night to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 disease, food and beverage outlets were allowed to remain open but only for takeaway services, not onsite meals.

In an address yesterday, in which he repeatedly urged citizens to stay at home, Muhyiddin said Malaysians can still do takeouts but it would be better if they stuck with food delivery services.

"Do not use these two weeks to loiter at mamak stalls. I like doing that too but we can’t do this now. Please don’t do this. If you do this, you will definitely increase the risk of the virus spreading to all of us.

"Avoid hanging out with friends at restaurants, kopitiam, entertainment centres or any place where you could be exposed to Covid-19," he said.

Thus far, there have been 790 Covid-19 cases diagnosed in Malaysia, with two fatalities. - Mkini