PUTRAJAYA: Customers will be allowed to spend a maximum of two hours at all retail premises including shopping complexes beginning May 25, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said this was among the standard operating procedures (SOP) updated for the trade sector including retail, wholesale and distribution following the announcement by Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to tighten the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0.
Another updated SOP is the operation hours of the distributive trade sector which included all retail, wholesale, distribution premises as well as restaurants, from 8am to 8pm.
"For pharmacy and personal care outlets, the hours remain from 8am to 10pm except activities which are not allowed, such as spa and wellness, as well as manicure and pedicure services," he said in a statement today.
Nanta said other improvements to be implemented is the rule to limit the total number of customers inside retail premises including shopping complexes at any given time, based on the space of business premises with the ruling of one person for every four square metres.
Employee limit at all retail, wholesale, distribution and shopping complexes, including management, operation and support staff is fixed at 60 per cent, he said.
Retail premises listed under Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) System, which are still at high-risk level after assessment by the Health Ministry (MOH), will be closed immediately for three days for sanitisation, he said.
"The improvement and additional restrictions will only be enforced beginning May 25 nationwide," said Nanta who asked industry players under the distributive sector to ensure SOP compliance by staff and customers.
"Business premises owners must also always be proactive, alert and ensure SOP compliance constantly at the maximum level to ensure the safety of their respective premises and public," he said.
Nanta said Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will mobilise 2,262 enforcement officers nationwide to ensure compliance with the tightened SOP at all related premises.
"KPDNHEP enforcement officers will also intensify inspections on business premises including during weekends and holidays," he said.
He stressed that the ministry as one the agencies empowered to enforce the MCO under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), will not compromise in taking stringent actions including issuing compounds.
"The ministry will also not hesitate to propose to the National Security Council to immediately close any premises found not adhering to the tightened MCO SOP," he said.
Nanta said cooperation from all parties at the moment is very important to ensure Covid-19 transmission is brought under control soon, while maintaining the country's economic sustainability.
For further enquiries, industry players and members of the public can contact the Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat at 03- 8882 5881/5905 or e-mail to spip@kpdnhep.gov.my. --BERNAMA