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PETALING JAYA: The extension of the movement control order, although with a tightening of the current standard operating procedure, will allow all sectors of the economy to reopen, sources say.
“All economic sectors will be opened, including retail, as trade associations informed us that the current MCO has affected small businesses and SMEs more adversely than the first MCO last March.
“The ministries in charge of business have given their opinion and stated that many small businesses, which comprise a significant part of the Malaysian economy, cannot continue as they are without some kind of respite,” said a source.
Regarding the implementation of the stricter SOP in economic sectors, another source said that the National Security Council (NSC) has yet to discuss the reinforcement of the current security forces.
“The police are at the forefront to ensure that people follow the SOP established under the MCO.
“However, the NSC did not discuss today (yesterday) the use of more military personnel or volunteer reserves as Rela members,” the source said.
Another source said that the NSC also decided that many of the conditions imposed by the current MCO would be analyzed “on a case-by-case” basis.
“For now, we are keeping all SOPs and adjusting them, as most of the collected reports said that most of the clusters were caused by a lax SOP.
“However, should the SOP need to be relaxed for the sake of an emergency, the authorities will study it and then we will decide,” the source said.
Previously, the MCO did not allow some businesses that could spread infections, such as hair salons and certain retailers, to open their doors.
It is understood that the MCO extended from February 5 to 18 will allow the reopening of all business sectors strictly maintaining the SOP and, if necessary, the use of personal protective equipment.
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