More businesses allowed to operate during MCO

JOHOR government has allowed more businesses to operate under the present movement control order compared to the first one held in March last year.

State local government and housing committee chairman Ayub Jamil said such steps were taken to spur economic activities.

“It will also enable consumers to get the items and services they require, ” he said in Johor Baru.

He acknowledged that there was confusion on the types of business allowed by the National Security Council (MKN) during this MCO.

He said a meeting was held with the police, state Health Department, MKN, International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), and Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry.

The meeting, he said, was to discuss coordination and standardisation of operating procedures at all local councils in the state.

“Among the premises given the nod to operate are those selling goods or services deemed necessary.

“They include hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, farmers market, workshops, launderettes, eyewear shops, telecommunication shops, moneychangers, petrol stations and premises selling food.”

Ayub said businesses that were not allowed to open during this MCO were barber shops, hair and beauty salons, open-air markets, tuition and music classes, private fishing ponds, public parks and entertainment establishments including theme parks.

He added that those that open were only allowed to operate between 6am and 8pm, except for petrol stations located along highways that could operate until 10pm.

Ayub said retail shops selling clothes and accessories must be closed during the MCO.

“Strict action, including ordering the shop to be closed, will be taken against any business found not following the SOP such as limiting the number of customers in the premises at a time.

“The SOP is to safeguard the welfare and safety of both customers and traders alike, ” he reminded.

The government has imposed another round of MCO in Johor, Penang, Selangor, Sabah, Kelantan and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan from Jan 13 to 26.