KUALA LUMPUR – Eateries and restaurants are now allowed to open until 10pm, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Ismail Sabri said the operating hours will be standardised from 6am to 10pm, adding that the new rule will come into effect tomorrow.
However, he told The Vibes that this directive allows the outlets to only continue providing takeaway and delivery services.
Dining in is still prohibited under Phase 1 of the MCO.
On the status of the third movement control order (MCO 3.0), he said the government has decided to maintain Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.
“Phase 1 of the MCO is maintained until three key threshold value indicators have been achieved.
“The three indicators of the threshold value are – the average number of daily Covid-19 cases falls below 4,000, ICU bed capacity is at a moderate level, and at least 10% of the population have received both vaccine doses.
“We will be able to transition to Phase 2 only when the graph of the number of new Covid-19 cases shows a horizontal trend.”
He said in Phase 1, all MCO standard operating procedures (SOPs) are still in use, where all economic and social activities are prohibited, except for essential services as listed by the National Security Council.
Phase 2
In Phase 2, Ismail Sabri said sectors on the positive list are allowed to operate and will be expanded. This includes the manufacturing, trade and distribution sectors.
The manufacturing sector comprises automotive (vehicles and components), ceramics, furniture factories for export purposes, as well as rubber, iron, steel and cement plants.
The trade distribution sector comprises stationery, computer and telecommunications, and electrical stores, car wash services, and salons (only for basic hair-cutting services).
“They will be allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm,” said the senior minister.
Travel across district and state borders is still not allowed, except for the movement of school teachers and students for examination classes.
“Movement across state lines for long-distance couples is allowed for emergency and special cases, and only with approval from police.”
Farmers’ and morning markets are allowed to open from 7am to 11am and limited to six commodities – fruits, vegetables, groceries, processed chicken, meat and seafood.
However, Sunday markets, night markets and pasar tamu are not allowed to open.
Phase 3
In Phase 3, Ismail Sabri said all economic activities are allowed to open, except those listed on the negative list, such as spas, pedicure and manicure centres, pubs and nightclubs.
High-risk activities are also banned, he added.
“Cross-district movement is allowed during this phase, but cross-state movement is still prohibited.
“Dine-in at restaurants is allowed, but limited to two people per table subject to physical distancing.
“For public transport – such as taxis and e-hailing services, including private vehicles – the total capacity will be increased to three people, including the driver.”
He said farmers’, night and Sunday markets, as well as pasar tamu will be allowed to open in accordance with SOPs. This also includes beauty salons.
The education sector will also be allowed to open, depending on the risk assessment by the Health Ministry. This will involve schools, public and private higher learning institutions, skills training institutes and other educational institutions under the Education Ministry, Housing and Local Government Ministry and Rural Development Ministry, as well as agencies under the Higher Education Ministry.
Social activities will still be banned, but up to 10 guests or visitors will be allowed to visit at any one time.
The senior minister said during this phase, only domestic tourism activities will be permitted.
“The opening of tourist attractions is still subject to risk assessments and strict SOPs.
“The creative industry is allowed to operate in Phase 3, for instance, live events without spectators.”
Phase 4
Ismail Sabri said the move to Phase 4 will happen only when daily Covid-19 cases are low, the healthcare system is at a “safe” level and the country has achieved herd immunity.
“This last phase will allow us to return to the norms of daily life, where almost all sectors are allowed to fully operate, subject to existing SOPs.” – The Vibes, June 27, 2021
