Malaysians, notorious for our love for food and forwarded WhatsApp messages appear to be going about their daily lives as if on holiday despite the movement control order according to reports from local news portals.
The Star Online reported that in Georgetown, Brickfields and Sibu, people are still gathering in food courts, stalls and restaurants in spite of strict instructions from the government to only visit those establishments for take-away purposes.
This, however, hasn’t augured well with the authorities. Police patrols were spotted in various parts of Kuala Lumpur, conducting checks on several eateries to ensure that they proprietors are following orders. Videos are making the rounds on social media depicting police officers patrolling eateries in several states.
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, restaurant operators and diners found guilty of ignoring the order could face a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both.
The police and Malaysian Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel have been authorised under the law to ensure the public follows the directives under the movement control order, says the National Security Council (NSC).
NSC also issued a list of essential services and non-essential services, stating who and what can operate while the movement control order is in place.
The essentials list includes retail shops that sell food and as well as services such as petrol stations, banking and financial, electricity and energy, the non-essential services that can remain open include vehicle repair, certain construction services, and funeral management.
Services that are allowed to operate at a minimal level are mechanics, towing services and over the counter banking.
Visits to the hospital and prisons are not allowed. Exceptions are made for very critical cases in the hospital.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said that everyone needs to heed to the movement control order. He said that action will be taken any person found defying the order in accordance with the Malaysian Penal Code.
For further information, contact the National Operation Management Centre of NSC at 03-8888 2010
