New phase, new outlook

PETALING JAYA: Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have been given the green light to enter Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) from tomorrow.

This was decided by the Special Committee on Pandemic Management during a meeting yesterday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“The relaxations will be the same as the other states that have entered Phase 2 earlier as stipulated by the National Security Council (NSC),” he said in a statement yesterday.

Ismail Sabri also said the committee has decided to “combine” Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as one common infection area.

“Therefore, movement between them is allowed and there will be no more roadblocks,” he said.

Activities allowed for fully vaccinated individuals under Phase 2 include inter-district travel; interstate travel for long-distance married couples; interstate travel for parents visiting children under 18; and same-state tourism activities such as putting up at hotels and homestays.

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Ismail Sabri noted that the committee has also agreed to relax the standard operating procedures for sports, leisure and recreational activities for states under Phase 1.

In these states, indoor sports activities, except gyms, are allowed for fully vaccinated individuals; indoor commercial sports and recreation facilities are allowed to operate under supervision and only for customers who have been fully vaccinated.

“An appointment to use the facility is required in addition to compliance with SOPs.

“The decision was made based on the current risk assessment by the Health Ministry and the NSC and will take effect on Friday (tomorrow),” he said.

For the trade and distribution sector, Ismail Sabri noted that florist shops, nurseries, outdoor equipment shops and housing galleries will be allowed to operate from tomorrow onwards in states under Phase 1.

Meanwhile, for states under Phase 2 and Phase 3, additional flexibility will be offered to barbers, hairdressers and beauty salons in how they operate.

“The latest SOPs will be updated by the NSC and the relevant ministries,” he added.