Showing posts with label MCO. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Malaysia’s recovery movement control order (RMCO) extended until Dec 31,tourists still not allowed in

Coronavirus Update (Live): 23,839,425 Cases and 817,646 ...

Coronavirus Update - Worldometer

KUALA LUMPUR: The recovery phase of Malaysia's COVID-19 movement control order (RMCO) will be extended to Dec 31 and tourists will remain barred from entering the country, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speaking in a televised address on Friday (Aug 28), the prime minister said even though the number of new cases in the country has fallen, the virus is still raging globally. The RMCO phase was originally scheduled to end on Aug 31.

"I am aware that based on global developments, we will go through a lengthy period before the country can be completely free from the threat of COVID-19," he said.

"For now, the situation is controlled. However, if there is an increase in cases in certain locations, the government will take a targeted approach by implementing enhanced movement control order or targeted movement control order, as previously enforced in several locations."

He added: "This means that the government requires a legal mechanism to continue efforts to curb and control the spread of COVID-19. Hence, for the benefit of you all, the government has decided to extend the recovery movement control order until Dec 31, 2020."

He also emphasised that no individual will be excused from these laws and anyone who breaks the regulations will be punished.

Mr Muhyiddin expressed his support for the Ministry of Health (MOH) to increase the fines for those who break these laws, to twice or thrice the current amounts.

The prime minister also pointed out that the extension will ensure all parties adhere to the standard operating procedures and health protocols that have been outlined.

He added that foreign tourists are still barred from entering Malaysia during this period to prevent the spread of imported cases into the country.

READ: COVID-19 virus mutation that is '10 times' more infectious detected in Malaysia: Health director-general

Almost all sectors have been permitted to resume their operations, except for night clubs and entertainment outlets, the prime minister said.

All sporting activities are permitted, sans the presence of spectators or overseas participants, he added.

As of Friday, Malaysia reported a total of 9,306 COVID-19 cases and 125 deaths. Around 97 per cent of the patients have recovered.

A total of 10 new cases were detected on Friday, the MOH said.

READ: Commentary - With COVID-19 under control, the worst is over for the Malaysian economy

The MCO, first imposed on Mar 18 to control the spread of COVID-19, was previously extended three times until May 12.

It was initially enforced when the number of daily new cases saw an alarming three-figure spike. Under the MCO, domestic and international travel was barred, and people were encouraged to stay at home to break the infection chain.

After six weeks of economic inactivity, Malaysia eased into a “conditional MCO” beginning May 4, allowing almost all economic sectors to reopen.

Subsequently, controls continued to be lifted over time. Daycare centres, hair salons, beauty parlours, open markets and night markets were given the green light to reopen.

Malaysia later entered the RMCO phase from Jun 10, where almost all social, educational, religious and business activities, as well as economic sectors reopened in phases, with standard operating procedures to be adhered to. Interstate travel was also permitted while the country's borders remained closed. The current control order, which began on June 10, was due to expire on Monday.

Four months of efforts seemed to have paid off as Malaysia began to report mostly single-digit increase in daily new cases - and even zero local transmission on a few days - until new clusters emerged.

On the back of 13 new clusters detected during the RMCO phase, Mr Muhyiddin had earlier reminded Malaysians to comply with social distancing rules and warned the public not to be complacent.

On Aug 3, Malaysia's Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the wearing of face masks was compulsory in crowded public areas, including markets, supermarkets, tourist areas, cinemas and on public transport.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Three-month loan moratorium extension for those in need

https://youtu.be/wT4fZ9IcR6c

https://youtu.be/nzqy79-m8Z0

Extension for those in need | The Star

Rapt attention: Laundrette worker Amira Wahida Osman watching the Prime Minister deliver the special announcement on the loan moratorium in Putrajaya. — MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

The move is expected to benefit some three million individuals and businesses

KUALA LUMPUR (July 29): Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that banks will offer a three-month loan moratorium extension and assistance to targeted groups in view of the current tough economic times.

The move is expected to benefit some three million individuals and businesses, particularly those who suffer pay cuts and are unemployed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Muhyiddin, who had a live televised speech this afternoon.

Muhyiddin said the decision was made following a discussion with the finance minister and Bank Negara Malaysia on further measures to help borrowers that still need assistance when the six-month moratorium ends on Sept 30.

The Covid-19 lockdown measures enforced over the last few months have presented an unprecedented challenge for small businesses in Malaysia.

The blanket six-month moratorium was granted by banks in April.

"Individuals who have lost their jobs in 2020 and remain jobless are eligible for the targeted moratorium extension of three months. After three months, the moratorium could be extended further at the banks' discretion depending on the borrowers' situations.

"Those who are employed but have had their salaries reduced due to Covid-19 pandemic will be granted lower loan instalments in tandem, depending on the types of borrowings. For example, for home or personal loans, the monthly instalments will be reduced at the same rate as the salary reductions.

"This assistance is for a period of at least six months and an extension can be given subject to the current salary situations of the individuals concerned," Muhyiddin added.

Apart from the two groups, Muhyiddin said other affected borrowers including traders, hawkers, self-employed individuals and businesses could also make similar arrangements with their banks.

Banks, according to him, have expressed their commitments to helping all borrowers, both individuals and small and medium enterprises, who are affected by Covid-19 outbreak.

Muhyiddin revealed that banks may allow borrowers to make interest payments only for a period of time on a case-by-case basis.

Other options are to extend the loan tenures to reduce monthly repayments or provide other reliefs until the borrowers' financial positions are more stable.

"For hire purchase borrowers in need of assistance, financial institutions will offer appropriate instalment scheduling subject to the Hire Purchase Act. This includes extending the repayment period with a lower instalment amount," Muhyiddin said, adding that eligible borrowers can contact their respective banks to make an application starting from Aug 7. Economists laud move to extend moratorium for targeted groups

MIDF Research economist Mazlina Abdul Rahman said the extension of the loan moratorium for targeted groups is a better option than to continue providing the moratorium on a blanket approach.

"It is because there could be many borrowers who are opting for moratorium not because they are in financial distress but simply [because they] want to use the opportunity to preserve capital or for investment purposes," she said when contacted.

Her sentiment was echoed by Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd banking analyst Chan Jit Hoong, who said the quantum of new modification loss should be lower than the blanket automatic deferment as it is aimed at a smaller audience.

This initiative, he said, did not come as a surprise and is consistent with what banks have been mulling to do after the current six-month moratorium ends on Sept 30.

"We believe it is a more sustainable method to help the rakyat and also, restrain non-performing loans (NPLs) from ballooning out of control over the short term. However, it may hide actual damage and cause lag in NPL formation if the situation does not improve rapidly or an advent of [second-wave Covid-19] paralyses the country again," he said.

Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the moratorium extension shows that the government is trying to strike a delicate balance between supporting the need of the affected groups and the health of banks' finances, which is also crucial to the Malaysian economy.

"It's going to be targeted and that is very reassuring and therefore, limited resources are not going to be wasted. What is more important now is to encourage borrowers who have lost their jobs or who have been experiencing reductions in their current pay and perhaps, those who have faced financial difficulties to come forward and have a frank discussion about their states of finance with the banks," he said.

Read also:

BNM: Borrowers eligible for loan repayment flexibility must apply by Aug 7
Economists laud move to extend moratorium for targeted groups
FMM hails targeted loan moratorium extension, reiterates call for more assistance to businesses

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RM525mil investment for Penang to create 1,600 jobs & human capital programme

( From left) Chow looking at the Penang NCER human capital graphic info. With him are John, state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Halim .

Monday, June 8, 2020

Covid-19 Recovery countdown Malaysia conditional movement control order will be replaced with recovery movement control order from June 10 to Aug 31, 2020

Activities that are allowed, not allowed and pending during the recovery movement control order period.

Conditional MCO to be replaced with recovery MCO from June 10 - Aug 31, says PM

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday announced that the conditional movement control order will be replaced with recovery movement control order, which will begin from June 10 to Aug 31.

The Prime Minister said that this phase from June 10 to Aug 31 is part of the exit strategy, as Covid-19 cases were under control in Malaysia.

https://youtu.be/Zx_FHZ8eZtk

PM announces 'recovery mode' MCO from June 10, cross-state travel allowed

https://youtu.be/OrUlBvbH6jQ

ALLOWED

• Interstate travel

• Home quarantine for returnees

• Normal business hours

• Domestic tourism • Meetings, workshops

• Recreational fishing<

• Barbers, hair salons, beauty parlours

• Self-service laundrettes

• Museum visits

• Indoor busking

• Cycling

• Motorcycle convoy

• Commercial fishing ponds

• Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration based on SOP

NOT ALLOWED

• Overseas travel

• Pubs, nightclubs, karaoke centres, entertainment outlets, theme parks

• Reflexology centres

• Feasts, open houses

• Spectator sports

• Public swimming pools

• Close-contact sports: rugby, wrestling, boxing, football, basketball, hockey

• Big religious processions

PENDING

• Schools to reopen in stages

• More congregants to pray at mosques based on size of premises

• Sports SOP

More relaxation on public activities

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/08/more-relaxation-on-public-activities?jwsource=cl

There will be more relaxation on public activities with the government replacing the conditional movement control order (MCO) with the recovery movement control order from Wednesday.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the new phase, which would take effect from June 10 until Aug 31, was part of an exit strategy after the government successfully contained the spread of Covid-19.

“During the implementation of the recovery MCO, more restrictions will be relaxed to allow the public to carry out their daily activities while complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP), ” the Prime Minister said in a special televised address yesterday.

The MCO was first put in place on March 18 to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.

Muhyiddin explained that statistics from the Health Ministry showed that the infection rate was on the downward trend, remained low and under control.

“Most of the cases recently involved imported cases involving illegal foreign workers in the Immigration depots.

“We are thankful with the swift action taken by our frontliners, who successfully curbed the spread of Covid-19 among the detainees, ” he said.

This is the second phase of easing up on rules after the first round of relaxation under the conditional MCO which began on May 4 and which was later extended to June 9.

Under the recovery MCO, interstate travel has been allowed except for areas placed under enhanced MCO.

“Those who want to visit their parents who are currently living in other states will be able to do so.

“My advice is just to take care of personal hygiene in public places and avoid crowded areas while you are in your hometown.

“Please remember, if your parents are senior citizens, they are in the high-risk category and can be easily infected. So, although we are happy to visit them, it is our main responsibility to protect them from being infected, ” he said.

However, overseas travel is still not permitted as the country’s borders remain shut.

Muhyiddin also pointed out that almost all social, education, religious, business and economic sectors would be operational again in stages with strict adherence to the SOP.

This includes open-air market, morning market, pasar malam (night market), tamu (market), bazaars, food court, food stalls, food trucks and restaurants which have been given the green light.

Muhyiddin also noted that domestic tourism would be allowed and encouraged.

Restrictions on leisure activities, including visiting museums, entertainment and creative outlets will also be eased, while indoor busking and filming will be permitted to operate.

Muhyiddin said the recovery MCO would be implemented based on seven strategies.

They comprise fortifying public healthcare, law and enforcement, strengthening border control, fully reopening the economic sector, inculcating new normal culture, empowering community responsibility and protecting the high-risk group.

Businesses that are still not allowed to operate include pubs, night clubs, entertainment centres, reflexology centres, karaoke centres and theme parks.

Religious gatherings, open houses, and feasts involving large crowd are also not allowed.

He also warned that the government would not hesitate to impose enhanced MCO at localities where a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases was detected.

Therefore, he said people should strictly observe the conditions imposed by the health authorities to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

Muhyiddin said the public could visit the National Security Council website to get the full list of activities that were allowed and not allowed.

“If all of you are disciplined and remain steadfast, Insya-Allah, it will remain under control.

“We will enter the normalisation period after Aug 31 until a vaccine for Covid-19 is found, ” he said.

He also urged the public to download the MySejahtera mobile application developed by the government to self-assess their own health.

Meanwhile, the Penang government will be holding a state security council committee meeting on Wednesday before implementing the recovery MCO. Bernama reported that the Melaka government was not ready to allow barbershops, hair and beauty salons, the morning open markets, pasar malam as well as bazaars to operate on the date announced by the Federal Government.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) enters the fourth phase

Covid-19: Total cases so far (updated daily)

Covid-19: Current situation in Malaysia (updated daily)

Now we’re entering the 43rd day of MCO in Malaysia. It’s 29th of April 2020 and the 6th day of Ramadan. Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) period started with :

#Phase1 March 18, 2020 to March 31, 2020

#Phase2 April 1, 2020 to April 14, 2020

#Phase3 April 15, 2020 to April 28, 2020

#Phase4 April 29, 2020 to May 12, 2020

Covid-19 update: 94 new cases reported, no new death

Malaysia reported 94 more Covid-19 cases on Wednesday (Apr 29), bringing the total number of Covid-19 infections in the country to 5,945. May be more phases to go through. And still not totally out for sure.

'No need to apply again'

Approved sectors can continue operating under new MCO phase to 100%
Businesses approved under MCO 1-3 are now allowed to operate at full capacity. Industry leaders welcome the relaxation and say they will adhere to the new SOP required of them to continue their operations.
It’s full throttle for economic sectors that are allowed to operate earlier as the nation enters the fourth phase of the movement control order (MCO) today. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali

E&E players laud govt decision

The Malaysian electrical and electronic (E&E) industry lauds the government’s decision to allow selected economic sectors that have been operating at half capacity to operate at full capacity beginning today. The move is good news for... http://mystar.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx#

Govt to look into operations of daycare centres for working parents

The government will look into the operations of daycare centres, now that the economic sectors are allowed to carry on business at full capacity, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

The Senior Minister said the authorities were aware of the need for daycare centres and nurseries to be reopened, as affected parents could return to work.

Ismail Sabri said the Special Cabinet Committee would look into the matter during its meeting on April 30 (Thursday).

"We are aware that many people are asking who will look after their children now that they are allow to return to work.

"So, we will look into this tomorrow and come up with details and solutions," he told a press conference on Wednesday (April 29).

Under the fourth phase of the movement control order (MCO), economic sectors operating at half capacity during phases one to three will be allowed to carry on business at full capacity.

Ismail Sabri also said the minister in charge of religious affairs would be asked for his views on whether terawih prayers in mosques would be allowed with social distancing.

"In addition, we will discuss and look for a SOP for football matches.

"I have received a letter from the Youth and Sports Minister on whether matches under the Malaysian League may continue after the MCO," he said.

Industries hope for more approvals

Second phase of Prihatin payout to start May 4

The second phase of the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) payout will begin on May 4, says the Finance Minister.

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said it would cover all eligible recipients in the bottom 40 (B40) and middle 40 (M40) groups.

“As of April 26, more than 3.26 million new applications and appeals were received.

“They comprised 2.96 million new applications and 305,000 appeals, ” he said when tabling the third Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package Implementation report.

Tengku Zafrul also reminded that the deadline for the submission of applications and appeals for the one-off cash assistance was April 30 (tomorrow).

“The payout announcement will be made next week following the completion of the review process, ” he said yesterday.

Under the first phase of the BPN handouts, the government disbursed RM5.47bil to 7.74 million recipients.

Tengku Zafrul said cash payments to those who did not have a bank account started on April 17.

The process proceeded smoothly with more than 157,000 people having received the cash aid at Bank Simpanan Nasional branches nationwide.

On the easy financing facilities to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) made available since March 6, Tengku Zafrul said RM4.5bil of the RM6.3bil fund administered by Bank Negara Malaysia had been approved for 8,500 SMEs up to last Sunday.

“Regarding the (RM2.1bil) Special Prihatin Grant for micro enterprises, they can begin applying for the grant (of RM3,000 per company) from this Friday.

“The application process will be overseen and announced by the Inland Revenue Board in the near future, ” he said.

On the Wage Subsidy Programme to assist employers in retaining their workers, Tengku Zafrul said up to April 26, the government had approved applications from 195,000 employers involving 1.5 million workers compared with 159,000 employers involving one million workers a week earlier.

The programme has a total allocation of RM5.9bil, which is estimated to benefit 3.3 million workers. — Bernama

Here’s the current situation:

1. Non-essential businesses and offices in Malaysia are closed during the order and staff will continue to work from home. Over 2 millions Malaysians may be left jobless once MCO is over.

2. All forms of learning are online including school & gym classes. Parents are appreciating teachers and caretakers more and more.

3. Only essential shops are operating - groceries, banks, pharmacies, petrol stations and now hardware stores.

4. Face mask is now a commodity. And has became a fashion trend.

5. Sanitizers, disinfectants and soaps are now essentials.

6. Most shops won't allow you to enter unless you have a face mask on and your temperature taken.

7. Shops stick tape on the floor to help customers keep a distance of 1 meter between each other.

8. Restaurants are only open for takeaways. Delivery is life.

9. The number of people at the store is limited.

10. Non-essential shops and enterprises are closed. Some closing down permanently. 11. All entertainment outlets are closed.

12. There is now a curfew. We cannot be outside our homes after 8pm. All essential shops closes by 8pm. And naturally you do not want to be in stores for long!

13. Public transports are only available at certains hours too.

14. Most airplanes are grounded and tickets are crazy expensive.

15. Hotels are converted to quarantine centres. And some are shutting down.

16. The entire sports season is cancelled.

17. Concerts, excursions, festivals, entertainment activities has been cancelled / postponed.

18. Weddings, family celebrations, holiday parties - postponed

19. No gatherings allowed. Places of worship are closed - mosques,churches, temples. Services are held online. Lonely calls of Azans can be heard, but you are not invited to the mosque.

20. The government has roadblocks everywhere and prohibits all unnecessary travel.

21. Petrol is RM1.25 and yet, no one is queuing at stations.

22. The Health DG is more popular than the PM.

23. There are daily updates on new cases, rehabilitation and death, from all govt depts.

24. Frontliners - doctors, nurses, police, paramedics, and others at curbing the disease are the real heroes.

25. Back liners - cleaners, security guards and even e-hailing/delivery riders and others that are helping us get through this trying time, we learn to appreciate all of them more and more.

26. There are no physical Bazaar to go to this Ramadan.

27. And Raya will most likely be celebrated online with your loved ones...to be updated by 12 May 2020.

One day, this will appear on this memory feed to remind me that "life and freedom" are precious. The new norm has begun. Don't take things for granted, but cherish everything ...Think Positively.

You are not stuck at home, you are safe at home.

Read more:

690 new Covid-19 cases take Singapore tally past 15,000 mark

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Specific non-essential industries allowed to operate during extended MCO

Report 'pulang' through Gerak Malaysia app starting April 25 2020
Touch to |Enlarge https://youtu.be/7Axt7i5Wm2c https://youtu.be/gw3e3iijRQE KUALA LUMPUR: Those who had travelled to their ...

Chinese anti-COVID-19 medical doctors and team arrived in Malaysia
A team of medical experts sent by the Chinese government arrived at Malaysia today to help the country https://youtu.be/w2wcxaYvVhU

Second sitimulus package of
RM10bil for Malaysian SMEs and workers affected by coronavirus pandemic
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/07/rm10bil-a-boon-for-smes-and-workers?jwsource=cl https://youtu.be/wGzVdeA3b0g

Malaysia's RM250bil Funding the fight against Covid-19, BPN; Penang unveils RM75mil economic stimulus package
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/28/no-one-left-behind-says-pm?jwsource=cl BANTUAN PRIHATIN NASIONAL (BPN) Check your...

Stimulus packages avert 1930s-style depression but cannot prevent business closures, save jobs as supply-demand dynamics collapse

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Rightways - Sowing the seeds of Success: Think Global, Act Local; Change & Grow Rich; Sow as You Reap & Soar High! Richard Tan MBA(UK), BCA(NZ), AMA(USA),MMIM

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Report 'pulang' through Gerak Malaysia app starting April 25 2020

Touch to |Enlarge

https://youtu.be/7Axt7i5Wm2c

https://youtu.be/gw3e3iijRQE

KUALA LUMPUR: Those who had travelled to their hometowns and are now stranded there since the movement control order was imposed will be allowed to return after getting permission to travel, says Bukit Aman.

Federal CID director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed (pic) said the government came to this decision on April 23 and applications could be made via the Gerak Malaysia app.

“The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery.

“Those who are eligible can apply from today to make their interstate journeys,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Comm Huzir said those who submitted their applications on Sunday would be required to update their application on April 29 to confirm their travel destinations.

“They will be able to check the status of their applications on May 1 via the app.

“The period for permitted interstate travel is between May 1 and 3 and all motorists must plan their trips accordingly,” he said, adding that those using the North South Expressway (NSE) must remember some important details.

Comm Huzir said that there would be no restaurants or food stalls open at any of the rest areas along the NSE.

“Surau will be closed and no group prayer activities will be allowed at the rest areas, including inside the building, open areas or carparks there.

“Only the toilet facilities will be open and motorists will be required to rest inside their vehicles at the carparks.

“They will not be allowed to exit their vehicles unless it is to go to the toilet,” he said, adding that petrol stations would be allowed to operate between 6am and midnight along the highway.

He also reminded motorists that no group activities would be permitted during the journey.

“Those who do not have access to the app can make written requests for travel at their nearest police station but priority would be given to users of the Gerak Malaysia app,” said Comm Huzir.

“A press statement will be made on the application procedures later today followed by a press conference on Wednesday to ensure all interstate travel goes smoothly and in an orderly manner.”

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Malaysians give mixed reactions to Gerak Malaysia app

Some still cautious about travelling

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Malaysians prepared to stay home longer to May 12

The movement control order (MCO), which is supposed to end on April 28 after two extensions, will continue to May 12 with the possibility of a further extension, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysia's RM250bil Funding the fight against Covid-19, BPN; Penang unveils RM75mil economic stimulus package

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Stimulus packages avert 1930s-style depression but cannot prevent business closures, save jobs as supply-demand dynamics collapse

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Specific non-essential industries allowed to operate during extended MCO

Touch the graph to Enlarge

The Federal Government will allow some industries to operate during the extended movement control order (MCO), but the health and safety of the workers remain a top priority, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (pic). He said these industries, which include non-essential and professional services, must apply online from 9am on Monday (April 13) on the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s (Miti) website www.miti.gov.my for permission to operate during the MCO period.

The MCO was extended yesterday for the second time to April 28, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, which has severely impacted economic activities.

The list from Miti includes industries such as automotive, machinery and equipment, aerospace, construction projects, social health services including traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, hardware and electrical shops, opticians as well as full-service laundrettes and hair salons/barber shops (haircuts only).

Azmin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, warned that permission given to these industries will be revoked immediately if the business did not comply with the stated standard operating procedures.

“The decision was made after we realised the need to open up more economic sectors as the Covid-19 pandemic is not only affecting the health of the people but is also affecting the economy, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“We found that the level of compliance from the government’s decision to allow several critical manufacturing and services sectors to operate during the first phase of the MCO had been good.

“Nevertheless, the government continues to monitor the compliance of the conditions as stipulated by the Health Ministry and also to ensure that health screening and preventive measures are implemented for the safety of employees and customers.

“This step is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the country’s economy post-Covid-19, to prevent the loss of jobs among Malaysians and to ensure that the rakyat continue to have access to basic needs and critical products throughout the MCO period, ” he said.Azmin is also co-chair of a Special Cabinet Committee to Mitigate the Impact of Covid-19 on the Economy and Labour Market, which later made proposals to the Cabinet.

He said among the considerations the Cabinet took into account before deciding on which industries could operate were the stability of export activities, survival of SMEs, and the size of the workforce.

Muhyiddin stressed that the decision was not a case of easing the MCO, but one where the approved businesses must follow strict procedures.

“I must emphasise that while we allow some sectors to re-open, this does not mean that we are relaxing the MCO. The order is still being enforced and orders issued by authorities must be followed, ” he said.On another matter, he said there was a possibility that schools would remain closed for a while until the authorities were convinced that the Covid-19 situation was completely under control.

Click to Enlarge

The Education Ministry has been asked to implement home-based learning initiatives to be implemented during the MCO period and possibly until school re-opens, the Prime Minister added.

“I have read comments from parents on Facebook and many want the school closure to be extended. Parents are worried about their children’s safety.

“I, too, have school-going grandchildren and like you, I worry for them. Who doesn’t love their children, more so grandchildren?” he said.

Muhyiddin has also directed the authorities to enhance surveillance and checks along the country’s borders to prevent illegal entries.

“Along our borders there are many illegal routes that can be used to enter the country.

“If we don’t beef up the control and surveillance along our borders, illegal immigrants can bring Covid-19 into the country.

“That is why I have ordered the authorities to ensure there are stricter border controls, ” he added.

Muhyiddin also expressed his gratitude to all frontliners, including medical workers, police, army, enforcement personnel and delivery personnel, on duty during the MCO period, describing them as “great people”.

Govt allows more businesses, like hair salon, optometry, to open during MCO

The government will allow an additional list of businesses to operate during the movement control order (MCO), but the health and safety of workers remains a top priority, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

The list includes traditional and complementary medicine, hardware and electrical shops, optometry, manned laundrettes and hair salons (restricted to haircuts) will be allowed to operate.

Azmin, who is the International Trade and Industry Minister, said these businesses were in addition to industries such as automotive, machineries and equipment, aerospace and construction projects.

He added that the industries, which include non-essential services and products, must apply online from 9am on Monday (April 13) to the International Trade and Industry Ministry's (Miti) website www.miti.gov.my for permission to operate during the MCO.

The MCO was extended on Friday (April 10) for the third time to April 28, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Azmin warned that permission would be revoked immediately if the businesses did not comply with the stated standard operating procedures.

"The decision was made after realising the need to open up more economic sectors as the Covid-19 pandemic is not only affecting the health of the people but also affecting the economy, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," he said in a statement.

He said the level of compliance by several critical manufacturing and services sectors to operate during the first phase of the MCO had been good.

"Nevertheless, the government continues to monitor the compliance as stipulated by the Health Ministry and also to ensure that health screening and preventive measures are implemented for the safety of employees and customers.

"This step is necessary in order to ensure the sustainability of the country’s economy post Covid-19, to prevent the loss of jobs among Malaysians and to ensure that the rakyat continue to have access to the basic needs and critical products throughout the MCO period," he said.

Azmin is also co-chair of a special cabinet committee to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and labour Market, which later made proposals to the Cabinet.

He said in considering which industries could operate, the government looked at the stability of the export activities, survival of SMEs and size of workforce.

Here is the full list:

1. Automotive industry (limited to exports of CBU, parts and components, plus after-sale services)

2. Machinery and equipment industry

3. Aerospace industry

4. Construction projects and services related to construction works:

- Projects whereby the main contractors are G1–G2

- Projects that have achieved physical progress of 90% and above

- Tunnelling works

- Maintenance works

- Sloping works

- Emergency works that are consequent to contractual obligations

- Maintenance, cleaning and drying of stagnant water, spraying of pesticides at construction sites which prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes and other pests

- Other works that if left incomplete may result in danger

- Building projects with 70 IBS score and above

- Construction projects with accommodation facilities for workers, such as centralised quarters for workers or workers’ camp

- Professional services related to the construction industry including architects, engineers, town-planners, land surveyors, quantity surveyors, project managers, facility managers as well as other relevant services

5. Science, professional and technical services, including R&D (services incidental to legal practice, services incidental to oil and gas, R&D activities related to Covid-19, and testing labs for the sectors allowed to operate)

6. Social health services including registered traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practitioners

7. Hardware shops, electrical and electronic (E&E) shops and optometrists in the wholesale and retail industry

8. Laundry services (only those offering full-service and does not include self-service laundrettes)

9. Barber shops and hair salons (offering haircuts only)

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