[UPDATED] NSC list of uniform SOPs to heed for MCO 3.0

KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) has released a long list of general standard operating procedures following public confusion over the various iterations of the movement control order (MCO) issued since last year.

Yesterday, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government’s decision to create only one set of SOPs stems from the fact that the various types issued for the different kinds of MCO have confused the public.

The interstate and inter-district travel ban remains during the nationwide MCO, while police, army, civil defence and Rela personnel will continue to enforce movement restrictions in Covid-19 hotspots.

Only three individuals are allowed in each private or e-hailing vehicle and taxi, including the driver. You are allowed to go out to buy essential items, food and medicine, and to seek medical treatment, within your district or in the nearest one.

Those with vaccination appointments are allowed to travel to get their jabs, provided they have the information on their MySejahtera app or SMS.

Movement between MCO areas is allowed for emergency purposes, with police permits, and natural disasters.

The passenger capacity for commercial vehicles depends on the licence issued, and this applies to public transport as well.

Currently, all education institutions under the purview of the Education Ministry are closed, subject to changes in the directive from time to time. Private students sitting exams are allowed on the premises according to their schedules.

Students on campus and in boarding schools can remain on the premises, with a mix of online and physical classes conducted. The use of labs is dictated by SOPs set by the respective universities, with the approval of the Higher Education Ministry.

The exodus to return home from universities and hostels will be conducted in stages, with students to be given approval letters pending directives from the Education and Higher Education Ministries and universities. Those whose universities or hostels are in enhanced MCO areas are not allowed to return home.

Groups involved in humanitarian efforts must get approval from the National Disaster Management Agency or district offices before providing aid to those in need.

Spouses in long-distance relationships can obtain police permits for travel.

Assemblymen and MPs are allowed to travel between districts and states for government business and visits.

Travellers entering Malaysia from Singapore through the Periodic Commuting Arrangement scheme must observe a mandatory 14-day quarantine at locations listed by Malaysia starting Thursday.

The Reciprocal Green Lane scheme is suspended starting tomorrow. Business travellers from the republic will be required to use the one-stop centre channel prepared by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Children aged 12 and below are discouraged from being in public places, unless for emergencies, medical treatment and education activities.

Businesses and premises

The management of building complexes and business premises must ensure only customers with “low risk” status on MySejahtera are allowed to enter.

Dine-in is still prohibited. Pharmacies, restaurants, food trucks, hawkers and kiosks are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm. Deliveries, takeaways and drive-through services are allowed from 6am to 10pm.

Grocery shops are allowed to open from 6am to midnight, depending on their business licence requirements.

Hospitals, clinics and medical labs can open for 24 hours, depending on their operating licence requirements.

Petrol stations can operate from 6am to 10pm, except those along highways, which can open around the clock.

Markets – daily, farmers’, public and weekend – are allowed from 6am to 2pm, while wholesale ones can open from midnight to 6am, and 11am to 4pm. Night markets, with strict SOPs and enforcement by Rela and local councils, are allowed from 4pm to 10pm.

Fisheries, farming, plantation and agricultural activities related to the food supply chain are allowed.

Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars are prohibited during the MCO.

Other businesses, such as clinics, pet shops, launderettes, optical shops, car washes, barbershops and hair salons, are allowed to operate between 6am and 10pm.

The operating times of these premises are based on a risk assessment by the Health Ministry and Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system.

Workers are allowed to travel with the relevant documentation, such as operations approval letters, work permits and employers’ letters. The private sector should adhere to the rule on having only 30% management staff on the premises.

Owners of premises must ensure good ventilation and 1m physical distancing between customers, and display the number of customers in the store. Queuing and staggered entries are encouraged. It is compulsory for both workers and customers to wear a mask.

Face-to-face meetings for government agencies and the private sector are allowed, without outsiders. Videoconferencing is encouraged.

Masking SOPs

It is compulsory to wear a mask except in:

- Own homes

- Hotel rooms

- Private workspaces

- Outdoor sports and recreational activities 

- Empty public spaces, indoors or outdoors

- Eating and drinking in empty public places

Religious activities

Religious activities, such as Friday prayers, congregational prayers, akad nikah and burials, are allowed according to state religious authorities. Wedding registration for non-Muslims at the National Registration Department, houses of worship and religious associations is allowed.

Day care

Day-care and childcare centres, as well as nurseries and kindergartens, are allowed to operate with permission from the relevant government agencies. Care centres for the disabled, senior citizens and women can remain open.

Tourism activities

Prohibited activities include:

- Zoos

- Farms

- Aquariums

- Edutainment centres

- Extreme/adventure/nature parks

- Art and culture centres

- Theme parks

- Family entertainment centres

- Indoor playgrounds

- Family karaoke centres

Sports and recreation

Jogging, cycling and exercising are allowed in residential areas and parks nearest to home. Participants need to observe 1.5m physical distancing.

Tournaments based on sports bubbles are limited, and without spectators.

Camp-based training according to state and national sports councils, and Malaysia Football League home and camp-based training, are allowed.

Other activities

The government has prohibited official and unofficial public and private events, including feasts, engagements, weddings, receptions, aqiqah, tahlil, doa selamat, anniversaries, reunions, retreats and other social gatherings, in MCO areas. 

Seminars, workshops, courses, conferences, talks, exhibitions and activities linked to meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions are prohibited. 

Indoor and outdoor busking, and hotel lounge performances are barred.

Recording for music, concerts, films and talk shows is allowed in studios with minimal crew and no audience.

Drive-in cinemas can operate.

Driving and aviation training institutes are allowed to operate based on SOPs by the Transport Ministry.

Negative list

Operations at spa and reflexology centres, nightclubs, pubs, regular cinemas and nail salons are banned. As for tourism, travelling in and out of MCO and enhanced MCO areas is not allowed.

No fun runs, fun rides, marathons and triathlons. – The Vibes, May 12, 2021