KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) will create a one-stop centre facilitated by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) for all applications of approval letters by essential sectors to remain open during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a statement, NSC said fresh applications for permission to travel for work must be done through the ministry’s Covid-19 Intelligent Management System 3.0.
This comes on a disastrous day for business owners trying to apply with separate ministries to secure approval to operate ahead of the two-week lockdown, which takes effect tomorrow.
NSC had announced that all letters issued by Miti previously would expire tomorrow, and essential businesses and services must reapply.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry website crashed around noon today after contact details to apply for business approval letters were shared on social media.
A check by The Vibes at 6.38pm found that the portal remains inaccessible.
A ministry spokesman earlier confirmed the glitch.
“We had a glitch just now, as our network is riding on the Putrajaya Campus Network. The Transport Ministry also reported the same (thing).
“However as of 12.30pm, it is back to normal. We expect the performance to be a bit affected as the volume to access the site accelerates.”
Not one of the 12,500 Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners’ Association (Presma) members was able to register for approval letters from the Domestic Trade Ministry to stay open during the lockdown.
Presma president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan told The Vibes that many members complained of being unable to access the ministry’s website to submit their applications.
There was confusion this morning among restaurant operators unsure of whether their applications should be made to the Domestic Trade Ministry, Miti or Federal Territories Ministry.
Jawahar said he managed to get through to an official, who clarified in a phone call that the Domestic Trade Ministry is tasked with handling approvals for eateries.
In a follow up statement, Miti said essential services yet to obtain approval to operate can access the CIMS 3.0 portal make their applications through the notification.miti.gov.my website.
It said the sectors include manufacturing-related services and distribution, which included wholesale and retail businesses.
Additionally, sectors that cover food and beverages, including those for animals, as well as healthcare and medical services, including dietary suppliments, and pet care and veterinary services, can apply at the same website.
It added that the communications sector, including the media, telecommunications and internet, postal services and courier sevices, and broadcasters are included in the list.
Other sectors include e-commerce, information technology, as well as the distribution, storage, processing, supply and production of fuels and lubricants.
Finally, it said the construction, maintainence and critical repair sector will also be able to make their applications.
It said companies that have registered with CIMS 3.0 do not need to re-register and can immediately download their approval letters beginning 8pm today.
Miti added that, with the new development, workers of the sectors involved can used the CIMS 3.0 letters and their employment confirmation letters or their work passes to travel. – The Vibes, May 31, 2021
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