KOTA BARU: Traders in Kelantan reopened their businesses following the government's decision to allow several economic sectors to resume operations from today.
Traders across the state opened their outlets this morning, having closed their operations for months following the imposition of the various forms of Movement Control Order.
However, not all business operators listed under the economic activities allowed to open, did so, with many still shut over fears of rising daily Covid-19 cases.
Checks at several locations in Kota Baru showed that only some 30 premises have opened their outlets for trading, with the rest still closed.
The premises which remained closed include shoe, jewellery and fashion stores.
Outlets that resumed operations include car wash, electrical and electronic shops.
An electrical shop owner who only wanted to be known as Yap said he was delighted to finally open his business.
"I realise that Covid-19 cases in the state are still high but I have no choice but to open my shop as I do not want to suffer more losses," said the 65-year-old who operates his shop at Jalan Temenggung here.
Meanwhile, Kelantan National Security Council director Jefny Muhamad said traders who were allowed to operate today must adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"The latest SOP will soon be uploaded on our Facebook page," he said.
Several economic activities were allowed to resume in states under the National Recovery Plan's (NRP) Phase One from today.
These include car washes, electrical and electronic shops; house and kitchen appliance shops; furniture, sports equipment outlets, car accessory outlets, car sales and distribution centres; morning markets and farmers' markets; fashion and accessories shops; jewellery shops; and hair salons and beauty centres (for basic hair cutting services only).
The decision to reopen these sectors was made after taking into consideration the risk assessment data by the Health Ministry and engagement with stakeholders by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.