PUTRAJAYA – Customers will be allowed to spend a maximum of two hours at all retail premises including shopping complexes beginning May 25, says Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said this is among the standard operating procedures (SOPs) updated for the trade sector, encompassing retail, wholesale and distribution, following the announcement by Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to tighten the implementation of the third movement control order (MCO).
Another updated SOP is the operation hours of the distributive trade sector, which includes all retail, wholesale, and distribution premises, as well as restaurants, from 8am to 8pm.
“For pharmacy and personal care outlets, opening hours remain from 8am to 10pm, except for activities that are not allowed such as (those at) spa and wellness (centres), as well as manicure and pedicure services,” he said in a statement today.
Nanta said among other improvements to be implemented is limiting customers inside retail premises, including shopping complexes, based on the space of the premises, with 4sq m to every person.
The limit on the number of employees at all retail, wholesale, distribution and shopping complexes, including management, operation and support staff, is fixed at 60%, he said.
Retail premises listed under the Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement system, which are still at high-risk level after assessment by the Health Ministry, will be closed immediately for three days for sanitisation, he said.
“The improvement and additional restrictions will only be enforced beginning May 25 nationwide,” said Nanta, who asked industry players under the distributive sector to ensure SOP compliance by staff and customers.
“Business premises owners must also always be proactive, alert and ensure SOP compliance is constantly at the maximum level to ensure the safety of their respective premises and the public,” he said.
Nanta said the Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will mobilise 2,262 enforcement officers nationwide to ensure compliance with tightened SOPs at all related premises.
“KPDNHEP enforcement officers will also intensify inspections of business premises, including during weekends and holidays,” he said.
He stressed that the ministry, as one the agencies empowered to enforce the MCO under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), will not compromise in taking stringent action, as well as issuing compounds.
“The ministry will also not hesitate to propose that the National Security Council immediately close any premises found not adhering to the tightened MCO SOPs,” he said.
Nanta said cooperation from all parties at the moment is very important to ensure Covid-19 transmission can be under control soon, while maintaining the country’s economic sustainability.
For further enquiries, industry players and members of the public can contact the Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat at its hotline 03-8882-5881/5905 or email [email protected]. – Bernama, May 23, 2021
