[UPDATED] EMCO end does not mean Klang Valley is in NRP Phase 2

KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will remain under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), following its exit from the enhanced movement control order (EMCO), as Covid-19 infections continue to ravage the Klang Valley.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision was made after the two states failed to meet two of the three government’s main indicators to enter Phase 2 of the plan.

In a statement, he added that despite achieving a minimum threshold value of 10% vaccination rate among the population, daily cases continue to be high, while bed usage at the intensive care units are still at a critical level.

“Selangor and KL remain in Phase 1 of the NRP, although the government has announced that the EMCO will not be extended in these two states yesterday.

“EMCO will only be implemented in localities that record a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases,” he said today.

On Thursday, he had said that the EMCO in all localities in Kuala Lumpur would end as scheduled on Friday, before announcing the next day the lifting of the order in the 34 subdistricts in Selangor.

The lifting of the EMCO is in spite of increasing Covid-19 cases, as the government looks to shift its focus to ramping up vaccination rate, in order to allow the economy to resume.

Ismail Sabri had previously said the recent progress of the country’s vaccination rate could push all states to move to Phase 2 of the NRP as early as August.

Currently, only Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Sabah and Sarawak have entered the second phase.

On a separate matter, Ismail Sabri reiterated his warning that stern action will be taken against any industry operators, especially factories, that continue to defy government standard operating procedures (SOPs) and directives.

He said the Op Patuh, an ongoing operation against non-adherence of SOPs in the economic sectors, will be ramped up to ensure better compliance by business premises.

“The government will not compromise with any quarters that continue to repeat their offences, and will not hesitate to close their premises and factories.

“At the same time, Op Patuh also aims to increase the awareness of employers in ensuring the safety and welfare of all staff are protected, should they be given clearance to operate.

“Workers are also urged to report to the authorities should employers operate without approval, or fail to provide a workspace that abides by all SOPs,” he said. – The Vibes, July 17, 2021