Dine-ins allowed from tomorrow, retail sector can reopen

KUALA LUMPUR – All businesses under the retail sector can reopen, while restaurants can open their doors to dine-in customers beginning tomorrow, the government announced today as it relaxes more restrictions under the movement control order (MCO). 

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decisions were made after taking into consideration the economic impact the restrictions are having on businesses and individuals. 

However, strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be put in place to ensure the safety of all Malaysians, he said.

“The United Nations Population Fund, for example, found that many households have yet to truly recover from the impact of the first MCO last year, and if they are to face similar struggles again, the effect is expected to be worse, with unemployment also to increase.

“Realising this, the government has taken measures to loosen some restrictions. We also take note that many businesses have lost all income as they can’t operate,” he told a press conference telecast live today.

“And, based on data, the government feels these (retail) sectors are not contributors to Covid-19 clusters.

“It is with this justification that the National Security Council (NSC) meeting yesterday agreed to allow the reopening of all remaining retail businesses… and to allow dine-ins for eateries.”

For the retail sector, Ismail Sabri said the businesses that can now operate are clothing and shoe stores, photography products and service providers, used items stores, florists and nurseries, and shops selling crafts, antique items, toys, carpets, creative and outdoor equipment.

Other retailers than can reopen are stores that sell sports equipment, housing and kitchen items, cosmetics and fragrance, tobacco products and vehicle accessories.

For clothing stores, Ismail Sabri said premises owners must offer disposable gloves to customers to look through their items, while photography studios can only operate with a single photographer and customer in a room at any one time.

Ismail Sabri said for restaurants, dining in is limited to only two people per table with physical distancing of at least 1m.

Restaurant owners must also assign a staff to ensure all workers’ and customers’ attendance are recorded, SOPs are not violated and to limit the number of customers in the premises.

“The full list of retail businesses allowed to operate, as well as the full SOP list, can be obtained from the NSC website,” he said.

Additionally, Ismail Sabri said the NSC meeting yesterday also agreed to make it mandatory to use the MySejahtera application before entering any premises, instead of writing personal information manually.

“This is because we realised many customers do not write down their actual name and mobile numbers, making it difficult for contact tracing, should there be Covid-19 outbreaks.”

Ismail Sabri said exemption is given to locations with slow internet access.