Ismail Sabri reiterates all items can be sold as some stores still worry about fines

 

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reiterated that convenience stores can sell all items on their premises and there was no need to withhold the sale of items deemed non-essential.

This was after some outlets continued to cordon off parts of their premises from customers due to an old ruling by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Some of the withheld items include stationeries, which led to public complaints as students need provisions for practical work even though classes have generally moved online.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry previously fined the outlets if they sold items deemed non-essential even though they were already available on the premises but this was overruled by the National Security Council (NSC).

However, some outlets still followed the old ruling out of fear that they would be fined.

Ismail Sabri, in his statement today, reiterated the new ruling.

“The NSC previously decided that all trade items at grocery and convenience stores, supermarkets and mini markets can be sold to customers throughout the National Recovery Plan.

“This was due to confusion among owners who had cordoned off certain sections of their business premises and withheld sales to customers,” he said in a statement.

Ismail Sabri also reiterated that those within the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) areas will be allowed to leave the zone to get their Covid-19 vaccine.

“The same applies to those who need to return to their hometown to bring their family members for vaccination, be it in another district or state.

“They will only need to show their MySejahtera appointment and get permission from the police,” he said.

“For the purpose of travelling for vaccination, a maximum of three people including the driver is allowed,” he said.

Ismail Sabri also re-emphasised that the operating hours for eateries for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan is from 6am to 10pm while for those under the EMCO in the Klang Valley, the hours will be 8am to 8pm.

In another development, Ismail Sabri said the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) offices within EMCO areas will be allowed to operate at 60 percent capacity from 9am to 1pm.

The EPF had previously announced a closure of their offices within the EMCO areas. - Mkini