The Senior Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has unveiled the latest SOP relaxation for Malaysians, where eateries may very soon be allowed to operate from 6 a.m. until midnight in all states, regardless of their phase under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Hishammuddin said this was agreed to at today’s Covid-19 Quartet Ministers meeting but the announcement is pending approval from the Special Committee on Pandemic Management.
The committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will decide on the matter today (22 September).
in addition, there will be similar easing of restrictions that have been proposed for petrol stations and convenience stores, but this does not include those operating under the enhanced movement control order.
The current SOP allows most premises to operate until 10 p.m. only.
“We will discuss and recommend these to the Prime Minister tomorrow before an announcement is made after the committee meeting.” Hishammuddin said at a press conference in Parliament yesterday (21 September).
The meeting was attended by the Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri too.
Hishammuddin said Faizal had also presented a proposal for reopening stadiums to the public to watch sporting events such as football.
“This is still at the discussion stage, but Faizal’s proposals will be tabled for consideration tomorrow.” he said.
Meanwhile, Nancy said that today’s meeting has also agreed to include Genting Highland, Tioman Island, and Melaka as part of the government’s tourism travel bubble, which currently only involves Langkawi.
She added that the destinations have been given 2 weeks to prepare for their reopening, which is tentatively scheduled on 1 October.
At the same time, Nancy said the government is still finalising the SOPs, including whether a Covid-19 swab test is required. She then explained that it will be complicated as some of the destinations, like Melaka, cover a wide area.
When being asked on the measures to control interstate travel, Hishammuddin said any announcement, especially on Melaka, will be made by the Prime Minister.
“We are moving towards an endemic phase, and this surely will include decisions allowing for interstate travelling. Even now, we already allow certain cross-border activities, such as trips to Langkawi, as well as for long-distance couples to meet.” he added.
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