KUCHING: The National Security Council (NSC) yesterday released the revised standard operating procedures (SOP) for Sarawak’s Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which had been extended to March 29.
The SOP applies to 18 zones in the state – namely Kuching (including Samarahan and Serian divisions), Sri Aman, Sarikei (including Betong Division), Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, Beluru, Subis, Telang Usan, Marudi, Limbang, Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Kapit, Song, Belaga and Bukit Mabong.
The council stated that massage centres, spas and reflexologies in Green or Yellow zones would be allowed to operate based on the SOP issued by the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Housing. The same would also apply to karaoke centres and cinemas.
NSC said all businesses, economic sectors and industries would be permitted to operate as fixed by the government.
“Markets, shopping centre and retail stores are to operate according to the SOP, from 6am to 10pm; while restaurants, food stalls, food trucks, street food vendors, mobile food vendors, hawker centres, food stalls or kiosks at the roadside, retail store and sundry shops can operate from 6am to 10am in adherence to the SOP issued for the food sector.
“Restaurants and food stalls are allowed to provide dine-in services with the condition of maintaining a distance of 1m apart between diners, as well as permitted to provide takeaway, delivery and drive-thru services from 6am to 10pm,” it said.
Daily, wholesale, agriculture and night markets, as well as midnight bazaars, would be permitted to operate until 10pm in accordance to the operating hours stated in their (operators’) licences or permits, and to be monitored by the relevant authorities or the People’s Volunteers Corp (Rela).
Petrol stations, laundry services and other business operations for daily needs could operate from 6am to 10pm.
The NSC said activities placed under the negative list and not allowed to operate would include night clubs/pubs, sports or recreational activities at swimming pools, physical contact sports or recreational activities, combat sports, activities that might be difficult to maintain physical distancing such as fun- runs, fun-rides, marathons and triathlons.
Meanwhile, NSC said travelling between zones was still not allowed – unless for essential services, of which case they must obtain police permit.
“The number of passengers allowed in a vehicle is based on the vehicle’s capacity, but high-risk individuals and children are discouraged from visiting crowded and public areas,” it added.
The movement of private and government vehicles and those of private companies for the purpose of travelling to and from places of work or for official government business must adhere to the vehicle’s capacity for the number of passengers being transported.
It said heading into CMCO zones and to Movement Control Order (MCO) or Enhanced MCO areas would not be permitted – except for essential services and those with police permit. All activities and services at airports and ports would be allowed to operate.
Public transportation services including express buses, ferries, flights, taxis, e-hailing services and other modes of public transportation would be allowed to operate – according to the operating hours stated in their licences.
Food delivery services would also be allowed to operate from 6am until 10pm throughout the CMCO period.