By Xavier Kong
MOST economic and social activities will be allowed to resume starting May 4, except for those that involve mass gatherings and that expose the public to the risk of Covid-19 under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced today.
“Starting May 4, almost all economic sectors and business activities will be allowed to operate if they adhere to the conditions and standard operating procedures (SOP) put in place by the authorities,” he said.
He added that there are still industries and businesses that are not allowed to operate, and these include businesses or activities that involve mass gatherings and physical contact, where social distancing is difficult to maintain. These include cinemas, karaoke centres, reflexology centres, entertainment centres, night clubs, theme parks, Ramadan bazaars, Aidilfitri bazaars, sales carnivals, and all forms of conferences and exhibitions.
Sports that do not involve mass gatherings, physical contact, and other risks of infection are also allowed, with Muhyiddin clarifying that football, rugby, swimming, and all indoor and stadium sporting events are not included in this.
“You can play badminton or tennis without spectators. Jogging, cycling, golf, and running in small groups of no more than 10 are also allowed, as long as social distancing is practised and physical contact is avoided,” he said.
He further clarified that social, community, and cultural events that involve mass gatherings such as open houses, concerts, and cultural performances are not allowed. Religious activities such as Friday prayers and any gatherings at places of prayer are also not allowed.
Interstate travel, other than for going to work or returning to your own home from your hometown, is not allowed either, and this includes returning to your hometown for Aidilfitri celebrations.
Schools, colleges, and higher education institutions remain closed for the moment.
The full list of businesses and activities that are not allowed can be found on the National Security Council’s website (which is down as of 12.30pm), with the list reviewed from time to time, depending on the development of the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia.
This follows the fact that Malaysia has more green zones than red zones. Malaysia has also met the six criteria set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which includes stricter border control, movement control to prevent local transmissions, the upgrading of healthcare capabilities, the ability to care for high risk groups, the adaptation of a new normal, and community empowerment.
Red zones will continue to be placed under Enhanced Movement Control Orders (EMCOs).
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The decision also comes as a need to balance the need to contain the Covid-19 outbreak with the need to restore the Malaysian economy.
As it stands, Muhyiddin shared that Malaysia suffered losses of RM2.4 bil for every day of the MCO, with current losses estimated at about RM63 bil.
“Had the MCO continued for another month, the losses would have lost another RM35 bil for a total loss of RM98 bil,” he said, adding that he understood the desire for Malaysians to reestablish their income.
For the sectors that are allowed to reopen, the SOP includes social distancing, frequent handwashing, wearing face masks, and reporting immediately to the Health Department if there is information about Covid-19 infections, especially to protect high risk groups. Symptomatic individuals are required to immediately undergo health screening, while those taking public transport have to take social distancing into account. Online transactions are also encouraged.
Eateries are also allowed to open for dine-in customers as well, though tables have to have at least two metres between them to maintain safe social distancing between the staff and the customers. Staff are required to wear face masks, while thermal screening will be required of customers. Customers will also be required to give their name and contact number, along with the date and time they entered the restaurant. This allows for contact tracing.
Public transport providers will also have to take action to ensure minimal crowding at stations. Employers are encouraged to allow flexible working hours to reduce congestion at public transport hubs as well. Employers are also encouraged to allow staff to work from home as part of the new normal. – May 1, 2020
