NSC: Manufacturers of crucial products can operate during MCO, subject to guidelines

PETALING JAYA: Manufacturers of crucial products are still allowed to operate, subject to certain conditions, during the period of the movement control order (MCO).

The National Security Council (NSC) said it understood the challenges faced by the industrial sector and welcomed their views regarding the MCO.

“The government is sympathetic and views seriously the challenges faced by the industry, and has taken into account the importance of the industrial sector during the time the MCO is implemented, ” it said in a statement.

The companies allowed to operate are those manufacturing and importing critical products including food items such as rice, sugar, bread; agricultural products; household products such as hand sanitiser and toilet tissue paper; personal protective equipment; pharmaceutical products; packaging and printing materials; medical and surgical devices; and components for medical equipment.

Other products exempted from the MCO include oil and gas, petrochemical products, chemical products, and electrical and electronic goods.

These sectors are listed as part of the supply chain in providing critical products to the public.

The NSC, however, said that the companies must follow strict guidelines or risk having their approval for continued operations rescinded.

The full list can be found here:

1) Food and beverage, including imported goods:

- Rice

- Sugar

- Vegetable oil and animal fat

- Flour and grains

- Bread

- Water

- Dairy products (milk and baby formula)

- Spices and herbs

- Dried food items

- Coffee and tea

- Canned food

- Beef

- Chicken

- Animal/livestock feed

- Processed vegetables and fruits

2) Agricultural and fish products:

- Fish and seafood

- Fruits

- Vegetables

3) Household products:

- Detergent

- Disinfectant

- Sanitisers

- Personal care products

- Toilet paper and tissue paper

4) Personal protective gear:

- Fire safety equipment

- Medical suits such as masks and gloves

5) Pharmaceutical products:

- All medicine and chemical products

6) Packaging and printing products, including ink

7) Medical and surgical devices

8) Components of medical devices, such as parts for ventilators

9) Oil and gas

10) Petrochemical:

- Resin PTA & PET

- Serat poliester & filament

- Polypropylene & polyethylene

- Resin ABS & MABS

- Maleic Anhydride

- Resin Pes PVC (PVC Paste Resins)

- Expanded EPE

- Impact modifiers & processing aids

- Styrene Monomer

- Styrene Butadiene Latex

- Polystyrene

11) Chemical products:

- Fertiliser and pesticides

12) Electrical and electronic goods, such as semiconductors