The rising number of cases in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have forced the Malaysian government to implement an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) beginning 3rd July till 16th July. The affected areas would be 34 sub-districts in Selangor and 14 localities in Kuala Lumpur. The decision to implement an EMCO was contributed by the projected infectivity rate or R-naught for both Selangor and Kuala Lumpur which is at 1.0 and has shown no sign of a decline.
Apart from that, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated, “This situation is worrisome, especially when we take into account the population density in both states and also the spread of three new Covid-19 variants, namely the Beta variant B.1.351 (South Africa), Delta B.1.617.2 (India) and Alpha B.1.1.7 (the United Kingdom).”
Only the essential services sector is allowed to operate from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. However, many residents of the affected areas would be still confused about the sectors that are still allowed to operate throughout the EMCO as well as the SOPs throughout the EMCO. Well, here’s a complete guide on the SOPs of the EMCO in KL and Selangor.
- All routes at EMCO areas are to be closed and guarded by the police.
- All residents at EMCO areas are not allowed to leave their homes except for one representative to buy essential items within a 10 km radius.
- The Health Ministry will conduct targeted screening on residents in affected areas.
- Those with vaccination appointments can cross state or district lines to vaccination centres by showing their MySejahtera details.
- Airports and ports are allowed to operate and public transport can operate with 50 per cent capacity.
- Only two people are allowed including the driver inside the taxi or e-hailing vehicles.
- Three people allowed (including driver) to travel for vaccination appointment.
- No movement outside residential areas after 8:00 pm except for emergency cases or with permission from the police.
- Only essential services are allowed to operate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm such as utilities, cleaning and sewerage services.
- Only food and essential items manufacturers can operate such as the production of rice, bread loaves, sugar, cooking oil, flour, fresh milk, baby powder milk, medicines and face mask.
- Work permission only for the essential services or those carrying out official government duties and must have letters from employers or a valid staff pass.
- Workers from non-essential services are not allowed to leave the EMCO areas and work at offices. Employers must allow their workers to work from home.
- Only essential services employees and factories, as well as business premises, can use the MITI letters issued before this.
- Restaurants, food outlets/stalls, food trucks, roadside hawkers, food courts, roadside food stalls/kiosks can operate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- Only food takeaways, drive-thru’s or delivery services are allowed.
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, sundry shops can operate between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
- Pharmacies, medicine shops, veterinaries, pet food outlets are allowed to operate between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
- Petrol stations can operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm except for those located at tolled highways which can operate 24 hours.
- Wholesale markets can operate between 12:00 am and 6:00 am.
- Public markets, permanent farmers’ markets (pasar tani kekal) and MyFarm Outlets can operate from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- All sports, social, recreational and cultural activities are banned.
The implementation of the EMCO might be a bitter pill to swallow for many but, let’s just stay safe and stay strong for the sake of our health. Please adhere to the SOPs above to prevent getting fined by the authorities. For more information regarding the SOPs, please log on to the National Security Council website: https://www.mkn.gov.my.
Source: New Straits Times
