by LYDIA NATHAN / pic by BERNAMA

STRICTER measures will be enforced under the reimplementation of Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0 in five states and three Federal Territories (FTs) effective today.

Social activities and all forms of seminars, conventions, exhibitions and the likes will not be allowed for the next two weeks.

“Birthday parties, reunions, engagement and weddings events, as well as sports activities that involve many people, are not allowed either,” Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (picture) said in a press conference yesterday.

Five states, Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, and the FTs of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will undergo the MCO effective today until Jan 26.

Ismail Sabri said these measures are necessary in order to curb the rising Covid-19 cases.

He said all travels will be restricted in these states and roadblocks will be mounted by the police and the assistance of armed forces.

“Only two persons from each household will be allowed to purchase groceries and essential items, but it has to be within a 10km radius. People seeking healthcare services will be allowed to travel with three persons in one vehicle, also within a 10km radius,” he said.

He added that eateries and hawker stalls, including food trucks will be allowed to operate from 6am till 8pm daily, with options for deliveries, take-away or drive-through only.

Ismail Sabri said hospitals and healthcare centres will be allowed to remain open 24 hours, whereas pharmacies can operate from 6am until 8pm.

Veterinary clinics and pet shops can operate from 6am until 8pm daily.

Ismail Sabri said sectors within the essential services will need to register with the ministry and employees will be required to have a valid working pass.

“For sectors that are able to work from home, it is strongly encouraged for employers to follow through with this,” he said.

Among the sectors and activities that will not be allowed will include hair salons, clothing stores, tuition classes, dance classes, nightclubs, indoor playgrounds and concerts.

Meanwhile, the Conditional MCO will be implemented in Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and three zones in Sarawak — which is Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

Ismail Sabri said the SOPs will remain the same except for four aspects, which are meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions as well as crossing state lines.

“Official and unofficial events by the government or private sectors, and social events will not be allowed. Sports and recreational activities that do not exceed the 10-person limit will be allowed.”

“As for Perlis and the other zones in Sarawak, the Recovery MCO will go into force from Jan 12, 2021, until March 31, 2021. The SOPs will remain the same except for crossing state lines,” Ismail Sabri said.