More restrictions lifted but with SOP

PUTRAJAYA: A conditional movement control order will be in place from May 4, allowing for a large number of economic and social activities to restart, the Prime Minister has announced.

With other strategies in place to recover, revitalise and reform the economy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin however warned that these activities are subject to strict conditions and enforcement of stringent health standard operating procedures (SOP) as the fight against Covid-19 continues.

He said the government was aware that after close to two months of MCO, many are anxious to return to work and businesses are eager to open their doors again.

“Beginning May 4, almost all in the economic sector and business activities will be allowed to operate.

“However, several types of businesses and social activities that expose people to the risk of being infected with Covid-19 will still not be allowed.

“At the same time, the government will enforce the enhanced MCO in areas where the number of Covid-19 positive cases are high, ” he said in a special address.

He said restarting the economy is important not only for individuals and businesses but also for the country as it allows revenue to be generated.

He pointed out that for each day the MCO is enforced, the country loses RM2.4bil and has, to date, recorded losses amounting to RM63bil.

“We are aware that many people are concerned that if the MCO ends, there may be a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases. I am worried too.

“That is why the government has decided to reopen economic sectors cautiously with the strict enforcement of health SOP, ” he said.

The Prime Minister also listed some of the business activities and industries which are not allowed to operate, saying that these businesses involved mass gathering, close contact and difficulties in enforcing social distancing.

They include movie theatres, karaoke centres, reflexology centres, entertainment centres, night clubs, theme parks, Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars, sales carnivals as well as conferences and exhibitions.

Schools, colleges and institutes of higher learning will remain closed for now, said the Prime Minister, but outdoor activities that do not involve bodily contact and mass gathering will be allowed.

“So, you can look forward to playing badminton or tennis without spectators, go jogging, cycling, golf or running in small groups while maintaining social distancing, ” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the MCO which was enforced from March 18, saw the people making great sacrifices by staying at home.

He said their discipline and sacrifice bore fruit in the war against Covid-19, with more areas declared as green zones compared to red zones now.

“The sacrifices made throughout the MCO is not in vain. We have seen a significant reduction in the number of new positive cases and have met many of the criteria set by the World Health Organization, ” he said.