New MCO 2.0 rules: A guide to what's changed

 

The National Security Council on Wednesday issued an updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for the second movement control order (MCO 2.0).

Some of the changes are to reflect the various amendments that have been announced since the first SOP was unveiled more than two weeks ago.

Other changes were to provide greater clarity by explaining certain activities in additional detail. However, there are also some changes that have created ambiguity. Malaysiakini takes a look at these changes.

Movement of elected representatives

The updated SOP now clearly states that the inter-district and interstate travel ban does not apply to elected representatives if they are on official duty or need to visit their constituency.

Movement of spouses

Spouses who are based far apart may travel across states to meet each other on condition they seek permission from the police.

More businesses allowed to open

More businesses, such as optometrists, automotive production and night markets, are now allowed to open.

Some of these were announced shortly after the first SOP was released following appeals from businesses while others are recent additions.

Mask exception list

The new SOP now clearly defines when wearing a mask is exempted. They include:

1. During indoor and outdoor sports and recreational activities (those that are allowed, for example, jogging - maximum two persons)

2. Within your own vehicle with passengers of the same household

3. At your own workspace

Definition of care centres expanded

The previous SOP focussed on day-care centres for children, which are allowed to open.

This definition is now expanded to include day-care centres for the disabled, senior citizens, women (for example, confinement centre) and other similar centres.

Vehicle passenger limit

There is now no passenger limit for the purpose of travelling back-and-forth to work or to conduct official government business. The limit is instead dependent on the normal road laws.

Previously, this limit exemption only applied to parents sending their children to childcare centres.

However, the limit for other than what is specified above remains at two per vehicle. The three-person per vehicle rule for sending a patient for medical treatment remains.

Shopping complex defined

The updated SOP now more clearly defines what shops can open within a shopping complex.

They include departmental stores that specialise on food, daily necessities, babies and children needs, medical, electrical equipment related to the protection of Covid-19.

Negative list amended

The negative list - a list of activities that are not allowed - is now more general.

The old SOP clearly states that activities such as tuition centres, saloons, reflexology centres, night clubs and cinemas were not allowed.

This list is absent on the new SOP but to date, there is no indication whether these businesses can open.

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The new SOP (Jan 27) can be found here. You can also access the old SOP (Jan 12) here.

- Mkini