PETALING JAYA: While businesses and services in areas under the movement control order will be allowed to operate, they can only do so at specific times, Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob explained this evening.
A majority, he said, would be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm.
These includes those in the food and beverage industry as well as delivery services, such as food delivery, drive-throughs and restaurants.
Petrol stations, too, will have to close at 8pm. Only those located along major highways will be allowed to open for 24 hours.
Day-care centres and kindergartens will also be allowed to operate, on condition they obtain approval from the relevant ministry or agencies.
The same ruling applies for pharmacies as well as veterinary clinics. Hospitals and clinics, however, will be allowed to open 24 hours.
Sundry shops will also be allowed to open from 6am to 8pm. Markets and farmer’s markets will be allowed to operate from 7am to 2pm, while wholesale markets can open from midnight to 6am and from 11am to 4pm.
Launderettes, too, will be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm.
Daycare centres and kindergartens will also be allowed to operate, on condition they first obtain approval from the relevant ministry or agencies.
“We allow them to operate as we know it will be difficult for parents who are working if they are unable to send them to daycare centres or kindergartens. But the SOPs for the parents and premises are very strict,” he told a press conference.
Ismail apologised to those who have been forced to cancel social gatherings, such as weddings or birthday parties due to the MCO.
“I understand that some had sent invitations and had booked halls, but we cannot allow this to take place, especially where food is served as that means face masks would need to be removed.
“I am sorry, but I hope they can postpone such events, as we don’t want the virus to spread.”
He also said while sporting and recreational activities were not allowed, jogging and cycling would still be allowed but it cannot be done in large groups. Jogging can be done in pairs while cycling has to be done individually.
Yesterday, the government said five states – Selangor, Penang, Melaka, Johor, and Sabah – and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya will come under a 14-day MCO from Wednesday, following the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.
During this period, certain activities will not be allowed.
These include : night markets, spas and reflexology outlets, saloons and hairdressers, optometrists, tuition classes, music, dance, art, religious and language classes, nightclubs, pubs and karaoke, theme parks, cinemas and indoor playgrounds, concerts, face-to-face meetings, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, tourism activities and sports competitions.
Ismail said that despite the nationwide interstate travel ban, those who had bought bus or plane tickets need not cancel their trip. “They can go ahead.”
He also urged those currently stuck in their hometowns to return to their homes “immediately.” - FMT
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