This MCO, some confusion about what is “essential” like retail outlets that sell jewelry and even perfumes that can be opened in the Klang Valley malls | Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, January 15 – Funny to say, but this time, the motion control order imposed in five states and federal territories feels different.

Unlike the first one last March, in which everything was closed except essential businesses (restaurants, markets, supermarkets, pharmacies), this time, you can buy a gold necklace or a scented candle if you wish.

1 Utama Shopping Center noted in its Facebook post that “our retailers stay open so you can stock up on bath bombs … and even pamper yourself (and your other half) with bags, accessories … just to stay sane during MCO 2.0 “.

So it appears that retail therapy is still available, if not actively encouraged, during this OLS. This despite constant reminders from the authorities to stay home and only go out to look for essential items to break the chain of contagion within the community.

Malay PostYesterday’s visit to Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall found several businesses that were not categorized as essential services authorized to operate after obtaining permission from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti).

The Jelly Bunny shoe boutique operated with minimal staff and was fully compliant with standard operating procedure (SOP).

“Most of our walk-ins are shoppers from the supermarket below,” said the boutique supervisor who wanted to be known as Azila.

Acknowledging that footwear is not an essential item, he said allowing walk-ins ensures that customers buy the correct size shoes, which may not be the case if purchased online.

“Yes, we have our online store on the Lazada e-commerce platform, but some insist on entering the physical store to test the merchandise,” he replied when asked.

At various closed parcels, it was also a regular business at Habib Jewels, as several clients could be seen looking at jewelry.

“Most of the walk-ins we have are people with previous appointments and shoppers who do their shopping downstairs,” said a supervisor who declined to be named. Malay Post.

What’s even more puzzling is that even gift shops like S&J Co. and Lovely Lace were also found operating in the nearly empty mall.

When approached, the retail staff who declined to be identified said one of the reasons they remain open is to facilitate online orders placed by customers, as well as walk-ins if necessary.

They also explained that the merchandise is classified and packaged in their respective stores before delivering it to the couriers so that they can deliver it to their respective customers.

“I think walk-ins are minimal, around two or three people. Mostly staff working nearby or shoppers do their shopping at the grocery store downstairs, ”a staff member from S&J Co. said briefly.

“We closed yesterday, but the management decided to open the store today after obtaining permission from Miti.

“I think they wanted to measure the number of people who had not had an appointment in these few days to see if we should continue to open the store throughout the MCO,” explained a supervisor at the Lovely Lace store.

Three other beauty and skincare outlets, Neal’s Yard Remedies, TNS Skin Lab and Ken’s Apothecary, also said they were operating to primarily facilitate online ordering and potential walk-ins.

Although all of these companies can operate with the permission of Miti, optical and optometry services cannot. It could be argued that they are certainly more essential than say … jewelry.

The Malaysian Association of Practicing Opticians (Mapo), in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, urged the government to reconsider its decision to reclassify optical services during the MCO.

Ikea, the giant home furnishings store, may also be open, although a visit to its Cheras outlet yesterday saw very few buyers.

A lockdown is particularly difficult for retail, but this MITI “relaxation” for certain businesses seems to be sending those of us who live in these MCO states a mixed message: are you coming for a little retail therapy when you’re bored?

Perhaps it would be more prudent for us as consumers to limit in-person retail therapy for now until the MCO ends and the number of daily cases decreases.

Yesterday, daily cases of Covid-19 reached a record 3,337 with 15 deaths.

With the next two weeks possibly the most crucial for Malaysia to attempt to break the chain of infection, only time and discipline will tell if our efforts really work.