MCO 3.0: Clarity Amidst the Confusion Over the SOPs

With Hari Raya Aidilfitri just passed, Malaysians nationwide are officially in lockdown. This is the second year in a row celebrating Raya during MCO. This is an unusually dull affair, without the rituals of balik kampung commutes, happening family gatherings, and not to forget the open houses brimming with rendang, ketupat, kuih, and all kinds of other Raya only specials.

Netizens are in a word “upset”; on top of that, having all these new rules and different announcements every few days only makes things worse.

Fed up with the Movement Control Order (MCO) announcements, 35.2% of Netizens have got #MCO3.0 trending, especially with a whole load of user-generated memes. While 20.6% of Netizens want the current MCO 3.0 to be enforced like the very first MCO as the strict SOP compliance led to successfully flattening the curve back then.

From zero new positive cases to the current blow up in cases, 32.2% of Netizens say that the Government has completely failed to manage the pandemic crisis, that MCO 3.0 was implemented because vaccines are being rolled out too slowly and they (15.6%) question the rationale on why MCO 2.0 was lifted so soon.

Many fear the ultimate impact that this confused governing could have on the nation’s economic outlook and citizens’ livelihoods.

Breaking #MCO 3.0 down, minus all the confusion

Nationwide Movement Control Order 3.0 (MCO 3.0) effective from May 12th to June 7th due to a surge in new Covid-19 cases. The highest number of cases in a day in May was recorded at 6,075 and the total number for May is 47,340 active cases (As of 19th May, 12 pm).

Latest rules for MCO 3.0:

● Only takeaways, drive-thru, and delivery (no dine-in) are allowed for Restaurants and F&B outlets in MCO 3.0 districts (only till 12 AM).
● Interdistrict and interstate travel is strictly prohibited. It can only be broken in case of emergency or for work (provided you have a travel letter). Roadblocks will be set up at district and state borders.
● All schools and educational institutions will be closed. Childcare centres, tadika, tasks, and tabika are allowed to operate in hopes of easing the load on working parents.
● All forms of social activities and business events such as kenduri, weddings, celebrations, seminars, face-to-face meetings are not allowed.
● Majlis akad nikah is allowed with strict SOP set by authorities.
● All forms of sports and recreational activities are not allowed except for individual sports such as jogging, cycling, and exercises in open spaces with proper physical distancing.
● Work-from-home arrangements are now mandatory with only a maximum of 30% of management staff being allowed in the office at a time.
● Permission letters that are issued to employees by employers are sufficient documentation to cross district lines (PDRM approval not required).
● The number of passengers per vehicle (including private cars, taxis, and e-hailing vehicles) is limited to 3 people including the driver.
● Citizens who need to cross district lines to head for their vaccination appointments do not require a permission letter and can simply show authorities proof of appointment on the MySejahtera app, website, or SMS if stopped.
● Interstate and interdistrict travel for married couples living apart is allowed provided permission is obtained from the police/PDRM.

List of prohibited activities:

● Spas and reflexology centres
● Clubs and pubs
● Theme parks and indoor playgrounds
● Karaokes
● Cinemas
● Contact sports and tournaments involving audiences
● Group sports and events such as fun runs and marathons
● Social activities involving big groups including weddings, receptions, gatherings, retreats, birthday celebrations, kenduri, etc.
● Business events involving big groups such as seminars, conferences, talks, exhibitions, etc.

Masks are mandatory in all public spaces and can only be taken off:

● While at home with only family members
● While in hotels or accommodation with only family members
● When alone in a workspace
● While doing sports or recreational activities (indoors and outdoors)
● In the car with only family members
● Indoors or outdoors without other individuals around
● While eating or drinking

List of reduced operating hours:

● Restaurants and F&B outlets: 6 AM – 12 AM
● Petrol stations: 6 AM – 12 AM
● Convenience stores, kedai runcit: 6 AM – 12 AM
● Pharmacies: 6 AM – 12 AM
● Hospitals, clinics, medical labs: 24 hours
● Pasar harian, pasar tani, pasar awam AKA wet market: 6 AM – 2 PM
● Vets and pet stores: 6 AM – 10 PM
● Laundry shops: 6 AM – 10 PM
● Barbers and hairdressers (haircuts only): 6 AM – 10 PM
● Optical shops: 6 AM – 10 PM

SOP For Ramadan & Hari Raya Aidilfitri:

● House and grave visiting is not allowed during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
● Solat sunat Aidilfitri prayers/ Eid prayer prayers/ Hari Raya prayers are allowed in mosques and suraus:
– maximum of 50 people in a space that can fit more than 1,000 pax
– maximum of 20 people in a space that can fit less than 1,000 pax.
● Ramadan bazaars and Aidilfitri bazaars are not allowed to operate.

In the midst of all of these mind-boggling ever-changing rules, Citizens are rushing to get their names registered for a voluntary vaccination with #AstraZeneca, which has been trending as well.

Here’s hoping that three is indeed a charm and #MCO3.0 will be the final lockdown before the curve is flattened once and for all.

Written by: iWisers