KUALA LUMPUR – Amid record daily Covid-19 cases, the operating hours for businesses that are allowed to operate in states under the movement control order (MCO) have been extended by two hours to 10pm.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this is to standardise the hours among all business sectors and will take effect beginning tomorrow.
The decision was made at today’s special National Security Council meeting, following a risk assessment conducted by the Health Ministry.
“We know there is a lot of confusion regarding the hours, and it has also made enforcement harder as there are different working hours for different sectors. We have also received appeals from businesses across sectors to extend their hours.
“We have now agreed to allow them to operate until 10pm. This includes sundry shops, convenience stores, pharmacies, laundries, optical shops, and stores selling pet food.
“I believe this will also make it easier for the authorities to conduct their enforcement on standard operating procedure compliance,” he said in a press conference today.
Previously, essential businesses allowed to operate in MCO states could only be opened until 8pm.
Last Thursday, following pressure from various quarters, the government agreed to extend the hours of restaurants and eateries by two hours.
Ismail Sabri said the NSC also agreed to allow the forestry and timber sectors, as well as their supply chains, to operate as usual beginning tomorrow.
Separately, he reiterated that the government is currently in the midst of drafting an emergency ordinance to increase the compound for MCO violators, both for individuals and companies.
He said this is in view of the continuously high number of SOP flouters, despite strict movement restrictions.
“I hope the rakyat will not do things that will force the authorities to take action. Please abide by all SOPs, which are not made to burden the public, but to ensure the safety for all.”
Last week, Ismail Sabri said the government is considering increasing the punishment for MCO violators, including by increasing the fine to up to RM100,000 and longer prison terms.
He added that the government has already sought the Attorney-General’s Chambers to review the matter and that it would use its powers accorded under the emergency order to formulate an ordinance. – The Vibes, January 28, 2021
