PUTRAJAYA, 1 May 2020 – Almost all economic sectors and business activities will be allowed to resume business, subject to conditions and standard operating procedure, starting May 4, announces Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during his national address in conjunction with Labour Day.
While there are still restrictions in place, the relaxations also allow certain social activities to resume, said the Prime Minister.
Economic and social activities that are not allowed to resume are those which involve close contact, big groups more than 10 persons, and at places with high risk of infections.
The full list of businesses and activities that will not be allowed can be obtained at the National Security Council website.
“Under the advice of the Ministry of Health, based on data collected and best practices determined by the World Health Organisation, the Government has decided to reopen economic sectors — carefully, by enforcing strict health standard operating procedures (SOP).
“From May 4, almost all economic sectors and business activities are allowed to resume operations, subject to terms and SOP determined by the authorities,” Muhyiddin said.
An example given by Muhyiddin is the reopening of restaurants. Eateries and restaurants are allowed to resume operation next Monday but are required to implement safe distancing among dine-in patrons.
This also means that offices can resume operations on Monday. Employers are advised to allow flexible working arrangements, including flexible hours, work from home or alternate days, to prevent all employees going to the office at the same time.
Businesses, which have been operating during MCO, are not required to make new declarations to be eligible to resume operations on Monday.
The declaration requirement applies to all the businesses that have been shut down during MCO and are now allowed to resume operations on Monday. Companies may declare their information online and simply pledge to adhere to the SOP.
The Prime Minister said that the government has clear and definite plans to fight COVID-19 and tackle the economic crisis with six strategies, including the resolve to control the infection.
He said the government has built economic resilience through the Prihatin economic stimulus package and with plans to restart the economy, systematically.
“The government will put in place an economic recovery strategy in facing the new normal.
“We will also revitalise the economy and reform the economic structure that will allow all of you to step into a new era,” he said.
Muhyiddin said with the first two approaches, namely resolution to fight COVID-19 and the economic stimulus package done, the government is ready to restart the economy.
“We will implement conditional movement control order (CMCO) where most economic and social activities will be allowed.
“At the same time, many are also concerned that if the order is lifted, there is a possibility of a new outbreak.
“I know you are worried. I am too. We must find a way to balance the need for the economy to recover and the importance to contain COVID-19,” he said.
Muhyiddin added that the nation was losing about RM2.4 billion daily during MCO, with total losses so far estimated at about RM63 billion.
Read more: 4 Ways to Earn Side Income Online During MCO
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