List of essential services expanded to 15 for third phase of MCO

KUALA LUMPUR: The list of essential services has been expanded to 15 items from 10 in the third phase of movement control order (MCO).

In the latest Federal Gazette, it is stated that "any services, works or industry as determined by the Minister after consultation with the authority regulating the services, works or industry" is allowed to operate under essential services.

Meanwhile, four items were re-included to the list:

1. Transportation by land, water or air;

2. Port, dock and airport services and undertakings, including stevedoring, lighterage, cargo handling, and pilotage, and storing or bulking of commodities;

3. Production, refining, storage, supply and distribution of fuel and lubricants;

4. Hotels and accommodations

The four items were listed under the initial 22 items of essential services during the first phase of the MCO.

The list was reduced to only 10 items during the second phase as the government announced a stricter MCO to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The new list was published Tuesday (April 14) under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Declaration of Infected Local Areas) Order 2020 and takes effect on Wednesday (April 15).

The Gazette, which was signed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, stated that the MCO is further extended from April 15 until April 28.

A restriction on movement within 10km radius for daily necessities such as food, medicine and dietary supplement still stands.