Following the indefinite extension of the current phase, the government has published a list of pre-approved sectors that will be allowed to operate when the country moves to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Restaurants and eateries are now allowed to continue operating till 10 pm. According to Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, operating hours will be standardised from 6 am to 10 pm, with the new norm taking effect today, (28th June). However, dining in is still forbidden under Phase 1 of the MCO.
Meanwhile, in Phase 2, a total number of 11 sectors – manufacturing and trade — will be allowed to open from 8 am till 8 pm, alongside key sectors recognised by the National Security Council.
Six pre-approved sectors which have been listed in the manufacturing sector are automotive (vehicles and components), ceramics, export-oriented furniture companies, as well as rubber, iron, steel, and cement plants.
While in a separate list, stationery, computer and telecommunications stores, electrical stores, car wash services, and salons are among the trade distribution sectors (only for basic hair cutting services) allowed to operate.
The first phase of the NRP, which was set to end tomorrow, will be extended, due to the country’s COVID-19 contamination statistics that had not reached the predetermined threshold. Malaysia won’t be able to exit Phase One unless all three NRP indicators are met: new cases of less than 4,000 per day, “modest” demand on intensive care capacity, and 10% vaccine coverage.
As of yesterday (27th June), 5,586 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, which is still far short of the level that would allow some limitations to be lifted in order to get the economy back on track.
As a Malaysian, it is heartbreaking to see the numbers that ain’t dropping since the implementation of the prescribed SOP during the MCO, CMCO and RMCO period. COVID-19 is indeed a major threat to the country, not just in terms of health, but also for sustainability and the country’s economic growth.
Let’s hope the numbers will reduce soon enough, so we could all get our lives back!
