After stores close non-essential sections, NSC now says all goods can be sold

 

The National Security Council (NSC) has clarified that all in-store goods at convenience stores and grocery shops can be sold.

This was after such businesses cordoned off parts of their stores for fear of being fined during the "total lockdown" which started on June 1 to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, in its standard operating procedure (SOP), had disallowed the stores from selling "non-essential" goods but the NSC said there had been a misunderstanding.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, NSC director-general Mohd Rabin Basir said it was decided that all in-store goods can be sold to customers.

"We allow grocery and convenience stores to sell any goods that are in the store, it's not a problem," he was quoted as saying.

Rabin added that Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who oversaw the "total lockdown", will also clarify the matter later today.

He said stores that were fined for purportedly not closing their "non-essential" sections will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Meanwhile, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, when contacted, said his ministry will abide by the NSC's decision.

"Whatever the latest ruling or amendments to the previous ruling will be in accordance with the latest decision of the NSC, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will follow," he told Malaysiakini.

He added that the previous rule was intended to prevent overcrowding in such stores.

"That's why the initial ruling was made like that," he said.

However, he stressed that the NSC is the "highest decision-making body" on the SOPs and therefore his ministry will abide by its decision. - Mkini