One SOP with 10 rules to be enforced, and nine recommendations

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, the government will cut down the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) from the existing 181 to just one.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who heads the Ministerial Quartet, said the one SOP contains 10 requirements that will continue to be enforced under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

The 10 requirements include the need to wear face masks and to practise physical distancing.

“In essence, this one SOP for the ‘Transition to Endemicity’ phase has been simplified from the 181 SOP that was enforced under the National Recovery Plan.

“This one SOP will be enforced under Act 342 from April 1.

“All 10 requirements have been practised by the public throughout the pandemic. I believe everyone can adhere to it,” he said yesterday.

Hishammuddin said besides the one SOP, there would also be nine guidelines for the public to follow.

These would not be enforced, but the people would be encouraged to adhere to them to lower the risk of infection.

“Each of the guidelines will explain how to conduct Covid-19 risk assessments and how to practise the SOP properly for the different activities,” he said.

The guidelines cover activities related to transportation and travel; education and care; retail, food and beverage; closed workspaces; open workspaces; events, ceremonies, entertainment and tourist attractions; hotels and guest accommodations; religious events, weddings and funerals; and sports, recreation and leisure.

He said the SOP and nine guidelines of the Transition to Endemicity phase would be published on a website that could be accessed two weeks before April 1.