KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya is mulling relaxing restrictions for states under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan, such as allowing night markets and parks to open, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
In a press conference this evening, he admitted that the government is unable to conduct thorough monitoring of Covid-19 standard operating procedure adherence, as states in Phase 2 see certain rules loosened effective tomorrow.
Another possibility is an easing of the SOPs for non-risky sectors and activities, such as cycling and dine-in, for individuals who have been fully vaccinated, he said.
“Malaysians need to be transparent, honest and disciplined after the SOPs are relaxed.
“This has not yet been decided (by the government). This all depends on cooperation from restaurateurs, whether they ensure they don’t falsify vaccine certificates and whether they comply with strict SOPs.
“It depends on the discipline of those in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. If we can reduce the number of Covid-19 cases, reduce the strain on hospitals, and boost the vaccination drive, I think we can move to Phase 2, and they will enjoy the same relaxation (of rules) as Phases 2 and 3 (states).”
States and territories still in Phase 1 are Kedah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.
Penang, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Sabah are in Phase 2.
Perlis, Labuan and parts of Sarawak have transitioned into Phase 3.
Even if Phase 1 states do not make progress and transition into the next phase, said Hishammuddin, the government is looking at reopening parks and night markets.
“On the issue of mental health, we can look at some safe activities, like going to the park, or allowing night markets, which are open-air.
“These are things that we are considering, but I cannot announce them yet. I have to get feedback from health experts first.”
Tough to enforce
The Sembrong MP said the Covid-19 Movement Control Order SOP Enforcement and Compliance Coordination Committee Task Force led by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin will not be able to closely monitor public compliance with the rules.
“The task force will not be able to closely monitor SOP compliance or vaccination certificates, which are needed.
“Therefore, the state governments, ministries and agencies responsible should be empowered to monitor the enforcement of SOPs.
“The public also has to be transparent, honest and disciplined. After giving them the perks, I hope the people will help us expose those who do not adhere to the SOPs.”
‘Be patient, singletons’
Hishammuddin said the government has taken note of queries and requests from those aged 18 and above who are fully vaccinated to be allowed to undertake inter-district or interstate travel to meet their parents.
It was decided that it is too risky at the moment to allow a huge number of people to travel, he said.
“The number of them (single individuals) if we allow them to travel, and the risk that we have to bear, is too high.
“It will cause other problems if they do not abide by the SOPs and are not disciplined. We will not be able to monitor and enforce what has been announced.
“Be patient, singletons.”
In a broadcast yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that fully vaccinated parents will be allowed to travel across district and state lines to meet their children who are under 18.
He also said married couples in a long-distance relationship and who have completed the vaccination regimen are allowed to undertake such travel to be with one another. – The Vibes, August 9, 2021
