Businesses under MCO can now operate till 10pm

 

All business sectors that are allowed to operate during the movement control order can now extend their operating hours to 10pm, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The defence minister told a press conference today that the government has made the decision to avoid confusion, after having allowed restaurants and eateries to open their business until 10pm.

"We know there have been a lot of confusions; besides, the differences in operating hours allowed for businesses also make it hard for law enforcement. And there have been many applications received from other business sectors, too.

"So, after a risk assessment by the Health Ministry, the government once again agreed to allow extension of operating hours for sectors that can open during the MCO.

"These include the grocery shops, convenience stores, pharmacies, pet food shops, laundry and optometrists," he said.

The decision came one week after it was announced that food and beverage business operators are allowed to extend their business hours to 10pm daily, from the original order of 8pm.

Ismail also said today that the government has decided to allow the timber-related sector and its chain of businesses, including logging activities, to operate during MCO.

All the approvals take effect starting tomorrow.

Ismail also asked authorities, especially the police, to practise their discretion when dealing with residents who live at state borders.

This came as there were complaints from those living at state borders that they now have to travel much further to buy basic necessities in their own state, compared to the nearest town which happens to be on the other side of the border.

For the record, under MCO, the government bans interstate travels for ordinary citizens, except for those who have acquired special permission from police.

"We do not allow interstate travels. However, in cases like this, where it is reasonable to let people cross state borders because that is the way for them to get to the nearest town, I hope the police can practise their discretion," he said. - Mkini