Conditional MCO: Economic sectors in Klang allowed to continue operating, says Azmin

PETALING JAYA: All economic sectors in Klang are allowed to continue operating during the conditional movement control order (MCO), says Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

"The National Security Council (NSC) decided today (Oct 8) to allow all economic sectors in the Klang district to continue operating as usual under strict compliance of standard operating procedures," the International Trade and Industry Minister said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 8).

He said the decision was taken after he had briefed the NSC on his earlier discussions with Selangor Health director Datuk Indera Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman on the situation in the district and steps taken to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"Selangor contributes 24% to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and 30% to the nation's manufacturing sector.

"In terms of labour, there are almost 3.5 million workers in Selangor which is 23.2% of the entire nation's workforce.

"Klang district is also a centre for industrial activities and a main hub for port container activities with Port Klang contributing over RM400mil in economic trade activities in 2019," he said.

Azmin said the decision also took into account the economic importance of the district and while ensuring public health safety.

"The government’s decision takes into account the need to protect both lives and livelihoods," he said.

He added the government is also aware that many companies including small and medium enterprises had taken steps to implement safety and health protocols at their respective workplace since the reopening of economic sectors in early March this year.

Azmin however warned that companies or SMEs that flout the Covid-19 preventive measures would be ordered to cease operations immediately and face legal action.

He said that enforcement authorities have been directed to ensure compliance of the SOPs.

Under the conditional MCO, residents are allowed to travel out from the affected areas to work.

Restaurants, food shops and stalls, sundry shops and convenience stores are allowed to operate between 6am and 11pm.

Petrol stations will also be allowed to operate between 6am and 11pm.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri clarified on Thursday that the conditional MCO did not cover the entire Klang district but only the Klang mukim or sub-district.