MCO: Food trucks told to cease operation

KUALA LUMPUR: Food trucks will no longer be allowed to operate during the movement control order (MCO) period, say Tan Sri Annuar Musa on Friday (March 20).

The Federal Territories Minister said the decision was made after observations by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) personnel found that food trucks were still attracting crowds.

“At first, we allowed food trucks to operate as customers can just come to buy for take away.

“But from our observation, the food trucks in the city were parked together at one place in large numbers – sometimes up to 30 or 40 food trucks in an area.

"And this has led to a large crowd congregating.

“This defeats the purpose of the MCO,” said Annuar in a press conference held after the Federal Territories security working committee meeting on Friday (March 20).

Food truck operators, he said, had also agreed to stop operating during the MCO period.

“They agreed to this, and I thank them for that,” he added.

Asked whether 24-hour food outlets would still be able to operate, Annuar said this would be looked into on a case-by-case basis.

“In principle, as long as the outlets do not offer dine-in options and it doesn’t lead to crowds gathering, it will be allowed.

“We will look into this on a case-by-case basis as we also need to look into the needs of Kuala Lumpur residents who are working,” he said.

Annuar also urged illegal immigrants living in Kuala Lumpur who went to the tabligh gathering at the Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling to come forward to be tested for Covid-19.

“I was informed that some of them are reluctant to be screened as they are afraid of authorities.

“I want them to understand that this is a matter of health, as it will affect not just their health, but of those around them.

“Please don’t be afraid and don’t run,” he said.