Gov't no longer limits four per table at restaurants - Ismail Sabri

CORONAVIRUS | Putrajaya has lifted the "maximum four-per-table" rule for members of the public who dine at restaurants, as long as social distancing is adhered to.

"As long as there is social distancing, you can (sit more than four-per-table). If the table is larger and can fit 10, 10 (can sit at the table)," said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (above) at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

He was replying to a question on whether the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the National Security Council (NSC) were still in effect on only allowing four people to a table in food premises.

"If the table is large (and can fit) 10, you can't have just two people sitting there. If the table fits eight, eight (can sit there). There are no restrictions, we will allow it," he elaborated. 

This announcement came after a restaurant in Ipoh was ordered to shut down for one week when seven of their diners were caught sitting at the same table on June 10 and consequentially fined RM1,000 each.

Since the beginning of the movement control order (MCO) in March, eateries were only allowed to provide takeaway service.

The government then relaxed the rule and allowed the public to dine in with conditions.

Besides the four-to-a-table rule, the patrons must also have their names, IC numbers, phone numbers, and temperatures recorded. Tables must be separated by two meters.

Ismail (below), who is also the senior minister in charge of security, said the government had already permitted children to go to public areas for recreation, including playgrounds and shopping centres for quite some time.

"We have allowed them to see the world long ago. Parents just need to make sure their children are taken good care of and to not be infected by Covid-19.

"We have no objection for the children (to go out) for recreation at playgrounds which are open now," he said.

However, this is not something encouraged by the government given that the children are at a high-risk for Covid-19 transmission, he added. 

Meanwhile, the government has not decided to allow cinemas to resume operations.

"At this stage, not yet. God willing, when the time comes we will allow them to open. There is no SOP for cinemas yet," he said.

For the record, the NSC had released SOPs for cinemas, drive-in cinemas, and live performances via its official Telegram channel at 8.43pm last night, but has since deleted it.

On the issue of international students returning to Malaysia for studies, Ismail said it will be discussed at the ministers' special meeting tomorrow.

He said the government received many requests from higher education institutions and international schools.

"We will discuss the matter for approval as well as its SOP. I will make an announcement on that by Friday." 

The government agreed to reopen schools in stages during the recovery MCO.

Classes for Form Five, Form Six, and students taking exams such as the Malaysian Vocational Certificate (SVM) and Malaysian Higher Islamic Religious Certificate (Stam) will begin on June 24. This also applies to classes for international certificates of the same level. - Mkini