KUALA LUMPUR: The Movement Control Order (MCO) in the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) remains, as the three indicators for the transition into the second phase have yet to be fulfilled.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government decided to maintain the first phase based on the risk assessment done by the Health Ministry, as confirmed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin earlier today.
"This (decision) was made after taking into consideration the current situation that has yet to allow the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2, which is when the new infections trend show a flat graph," he said in a statement today.
The three indicators are daily Covid-19 cases (average daily cases must fall below 4,000), moderate occupancy rate at the ICU wards and minimum of 10 per cent population being fully inoculated against Covid-19.
Ismail Sabri said the MCO's standard operating procedures (SOP) are still in use in Phase 1, where all social and economic activities are prohibited, except for essential services as listed by the National Security Council (NSC).
However, the government agreed to extend the hours for restaurants and food premises. They can operate from 6am to 10pm starting tomorrow (June 28).
Elaborating on the NRP, Ismail Sabri said the next phase would see the positive list being expanded, including manufacturing, namely, automotive and components; ceramic, furniture factories for exports, rubber, steel, cement, as well as retail and distribution, namely, stationery, computer and telecommunications; electrical appliances, car wash and salons (for basic hair-cutting only).
These sectors would be allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm under the second phase of the NRP.
Meanwhile, interstate and interdistrict travels would remain prohibited, except for school teachers and students sitting for exams, he said.
He said interstate travels for long-distance married couples are allowed for emergency and special cases, with police permission.
Also under Phase 2, eateries, restaurants, stalls, food trucks, hawkers, foodcourts or kiosks will continue to operate from 6am to 10pm.
"Under phase 2, agriculture and morning markets will be allowed to operate from 7am to 11am, limited to vegetables, fruits, sundry items, processed chicken, seafood and meat."
Weekend and night markets, as well as pasar tamu, however, would not be allowed to operate.
All individual and non-contact sports and recreational activities would be allowed.
Meanwhile, phase 3 would see all economic activities allowed, except the high-risk sectors, namely, spa, pedicure and manicure, pubs and night clubs, he said.