KUALA LUMPUR – The government has decided to lift certain restrictions in states under the movement control order (MCO), citing livelihood concerns voiced by those directly affected by the pandemic.
In a press conference today, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in MCO states will be allowed at 25% premises capacity while buskers can now perform outside restaurants and eateries.
He added that while certain quarters may disagree with the relaxation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), the decision factors in the livelihoods of Malaysians.
“We know that a large portion of those directly affected are ones without permanent income or with low salary. We understand your struggles.”
On the opening of MICE, Ismail said the industry only made RM2.2 billion last year, about 90% less than the RM9.25 billion recorded the year before.
Additionally, he said more than 5,000 staff members have been laid off since the start of the pandemic and many MICE companies will be forced to temporarily shutter should the situation not improve.
“The approval to allow MICE to operate in MCO states up to 25% capacity or a maximum of 250 people will take effect beginning March 5.”
Previously, Ismail had announced that the MICE industry in states under conditional MCO and recovery MCO can operate at 50% and full capacity, respectively, subject to physical distancing.
As for buskers, he said the decision to allow them to perform outside eateries was taken into consideration after the government lifted the two-per-table limit for dining in.
He added that most buskers perform outside premises, not indoors.
Separately, he said the National Security Council (NSC) meeting has agreed to allow parents sending their children to school beginning next month to cross district and state borders.
“They no longer need to get approval letters from the police. All they need is a letter from the school to show the police during a roadblock. Teachers can help issue these letters to parents.
“I have also discussed this with the police, and I was told that the matter has been informed to all district police personnel. So, I don’t expect any trouble during roadblocks.” – The Vibes, February 25, 2021
