By Nizam Zain
KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (MKN) has allowed 18 retail business sectors to resume their business after they have been closed since the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on 13 January 2021.
Senior Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the decision was made to ensure economic sustenance, especially for the small traders.
“The special MKN meeting yesterday agreed to reopen the remaining retail sectors, including clothing retailers, fashion and accessories, shoes shop, photography equipment / services stores, outlets selling preloved items, handicrafts and souvenirs, antiques, toy stores and florists / nurseries.
“Besides that, shops selling carpets, creative content / creative industry equipment, outdoor items, sports equipment, household items and kitchen equipment, cosmetics, skincare and perfume, tobacco, car accessories, restaurants (dine-in) and Ar-Rahnu (pawn shops) are also allowed to open,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri also said that the government would impose strict standard operating procedures (SOP) for the reopening of all 18 retail business sectors.
“Sanitisation and disinfection must be conducted thrice a day within the operation period, employees and customers must wear face masks in the business premise.
“Customers with body temperature above 37.5ºC will not be allowed to enter the premise, hand sanitiser must be available at the entrance and used prior to entering the premise.
“Ensure the control of entry and exit of the customers, the presence of an employee to ensure that customers record their details manually or via the MySejahtera application, physical distancing of one meter at the premises, limiting the number of customers at the premise at a single time and to encourage electronic payment,” he said.
For shops selling clothes, premise owner needs to provide disposable gloves for the customers to choose their clothes.
“For shops selling cosmetics, skincare and perfume, only sales and purchase activities are allowed. Face to face consultation and testing the products are not allowed,” he said.
Meanwhile, only one customer and a photographer are allowed in a photography studio or service.
“The usage of photography studio, with the exception of passport, visa and license photo are not allowed,” he said.
He said, the preliminary list of retail businesses permitted to operate is available at the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) and MKN’s websites.
“Changes on the list will be announced by KPDNHEP from time to time,” he added. –MalaysiaGazette
