KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya is reviewing whether to extend the operating hours of eateries in states under the movement control order to 10pm, following strong calls by various quarters.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the special National Security Council meeting today was informed of the request by Malaysians who felt the current 8pm limit was too soon for many who may be working late.
“Many have been complaining on social media and have asked that eateries be allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm. They felt that closing at 8pm has made it difficult for many to get food.
“We have discussed the matter today, and we have asked NSC to deliberate with the Health Ministry on reviewing it.
“The Health Ministry will be providing their take on this, and we will immediately announce once a decision is made,” he said in a media briefing that was telecast live today.
Since the MCO was implemented in several states on January 13, many have taken to social media criticising the government’s supposed lack of empathy for those who may not be able to get dinner in time due to the 8pm time limit.
They pointed out that many will still be on the road on their way home during the period, with some complaining of having missed dinner on several occasions because of lockdown rules.
Ismail said that operating hours for the food and beverages industry were limited to 8pm because similar restrictions are also in place for all other businesses operating under the MCO.
Meanwhile, he said that small businesses that provide food delivery are allowed to make their own deliveries, provided they get approval from police.
On concerns over the arresting power given to the armed forces on flouters of standard operating procedures, Ismail said the military’s focus at the moment remains guarding the country’s international borders and only arresting undocumented immigrants.
But he added armed forces personnel will also assist the police in conducting roadblocks and enforcing SOPs.
On whether the Health Ministry has advised for stricter restrictions to be imposed similar to the first MCO last year, due to continued increasing cases, Ismail said any recommendation will only be made before the end of the current order on January 26.
“Whether we will extend the order and if there are any changes to the SOPs will be based on the ministry’s report. They will review it before the end of the MCO period.” – The Vibes, January 19, 2021
