Our Prime Minister announced this morning (Friday, 1st May) that almost all economic sectors closed during the movement control order (MCO) will be given the green light to resume business.
The ease of conditional MCO will take effect starting 4th May in hopes to tackle the economic crisis in Malaysia. The country has already suffer RM63 billion in losses, and stands to lose up to RM100 billion if the partial lockdown drags on.
“Beginning 4th May, almost all economic sectors will be allowed to open with conditions. This is important as business and work is a source of income. If we are under MCO for too long, we will not get any income and this will have a negative impact on our finances,” Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted as saying.
Here’s a list of sectors allowed to open:
- Education sector
- Electric debriefing sector
- Defence industry
- Financial sector
- Agrikomoditi sector
- Sports & recreation sector
- Cooperative credit activity
- Retail sector
- Oil & gas sector
- Social sector
- Manufacturing sector
- Psychometric & professional services
- Food sector
- Logistics sector
- Transportation sector
Selected sports and fitness activities that doesn’t involve body contact like jogging, cycling and badminton will be permitted. Still, you have to make sure that there shouldn’t be more than 10 people at a time as social distancing is still vital.
Restaurants may also reopen for dine-in with the condition that health and safety measures are practised. Restaurant owners will need to ensure that there’s at least 2 metres distance between tables. Eateries will also need to jot down the name and contact number of all customers along with the date and time of visit. This will ease contact tracing if someone contracts Covid-19.
The list of sectors/activties not allowed to open yet:
Businesses that involved large crowds such as fitness centres, cinemas, night clubs, entertainment centres, bazaars and exhibitions will have to remain close for now. Sport events that have close contact such as football, rugby, swimming and indoor sports are also not allowed.
As such, social activities such as open houses, concerts and banquets as well as religious activities and gatherings will have to be put on hold. “Members of the public are also prohibited from travelling across states to return to their home towns for Raya,” said the PM.
For more info, you may refer to the National Security Council website www.mkn.gov.my.
