The CMCO allows all businesses to operate, with restaurants and stores allowed to open from 6am to 10pm, among others

by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK & NUR HANANI AZMAN / pic by BERNAMA

THE standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Putrajaya have been further clarified since it was announced on Monday.

In addition to what had already been listed out earlier, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the CMCO, which begins today until Oct 27, allows all businesses to operate, with restaurants and stores allowed to open from 6am to 10pm.

Food purchases via drive-through, delivery and take-away option are permitted, while only two people per table are allowed for dine-ins. It was earlier understood that eateries were ordered to operate until 6pm without dine-ins.

“Daily markets can operate from 6am to 2pm, wholesale markets from 4am to 2pm, farmers’ markets from 6am to 12pm and night markets from 4pm to 10pm,” he said.

Petrol stations may operate from 6am to 10pm, except for those located on highways which can run for 24 hours.

While public transportation can continue to operate as usual, taxis and e-hailing services can only take in two passengers at a time, and food deliveries are only allowed from 6am to midnight.

Ismail Sabri said both private and public clinics may run for 24 hours and pharmacies can operate from 8am to 11pm.

“Any industry and business vehicles may continue travelling interstate or between districts, while the fishing, farming, gardening, breeding and sectors related to the food industry can continue operating,” he said.

Ismail Sabri added that individuals who need to travel through Selangor and KL to other states are required to receive the approval from the nearby police station before making their journey.

“The same goes for individuals travelling via air from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA 2 and Subang,” he said.

While recreational, cultural and entertainment activities are not permitted, e-sports, sports with no physical contact and outdoor sports of not more than 10 persons are allowed.

However, swimming pool activities and sports competitions or events with spectators and participants from other states are not allowed.

All education institutions in the state and federal territories are closed, and any events related to meeting, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) are not allowed, while face-to-face meetings are discouraged.

“Official and informal ceremonies from both government and the private sector are not allowed,” he said.

Similarly, any tourist activities outside or inside the areas are not allowed.

There was a lot of confusion among businesses and consumers when the CMCO was announced, as details were insufficient.

A hair salon owner in KL, who requested anonymity, expressed concern that she would lose her source of income again.

“My customers are just starting to return. This is too sudden. We need clear guidelines,” she told The Malaysian Reserve yesterday.

Although Ismail Sabri had mentioned that more details would be given, many industry players were unable to wait and made their own announcements via social media.

Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd announced on Monday that its cinemas in the affected states will be closed.

AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, operator of entertainment facilities in shopping centres, also made a similar announcement.

“In line with the government’s directive to start the CMCO, the management of AEON Fantasy would like to inform that our headquarters and outlets in Selangor, KL and Putrajaya will be closed from Oct 14 to Oct 27.

“This action is made according to the government’s precautionary measures to curb the spread of the developing Covid-19 virus,” it said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, on the violations of the Recovery MCO (RMCO), the authorities made 446 arrests yesterday, of which 407 were compounded, 37 remanded and two were released on bail.

Among the violations committed were not wearing face masks, failure to provide the tools to record customers’ contact details, failure to observe physical distancing, organising private parties, gambling, violating MCO and quarantine orders, and activities at entertainment clubs.

The task force will continue to enhance inspections and act against premise owners and the public who disobey the prescribed SOPs.

Ismail Sabri said the task force made 60,527 inspections for the compliance of RMCO SOPs on 4,606 supermarkets, 6,007 restaurants, 2,007 hawkers and stalls, and 1,609 farmers’ markets.

“Also inspected were 4,179 worship places and 1,673 leisure spots,” he said.

On Ops Benteng, 84 foreigners and three smugglers were arrested, while 10 vehicles were confiscated.