news

Ismail Sabri: Essential Stores Can Sell All Items On Their Premises

Previously, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs fined stores if they sold non-essential items even though they were already available on the premises.

Cover image via Astro Awani & Hari Anggara/Malay Mail

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.

In a media statement released yesterday, 5 July, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated that stores can sell all items on their premises, including items that are deemed non-essential

According to the statement, grocery stores and convenience stores, mini markets, and supermarkets still continued to seal off non-essential items in their premises due to the old ruling by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).

Some of the items that were withheld previously, includes stationery hair products, alcoholic drinks, and even hardware, which then sparked public outrage on social media.

However, this was overruled by the National Security Council (MKN) almost immediately following the public backlash.

Image for illustration purposes only.

Image via Nurul Natasha Azhar/Malaysiakini

Ismail Sabri also emphasised that citizens within the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas will be allowed to travel to get their COVID-19 vaccine

According to Malaysiakini, Ismail Sabri said, "This also applies to those who need to return to their hometown to bring their family members for vaccination, be it in another district or state."

Citizens only need to show their MySejahtera appointment and get permission from the police.

As for the purpose of travelling for vaccination, Ismail Sabri said a maximum of three people including the driver is allowed.

Image for illustration purposes only.

Image via Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail

In the statement, he also reminded that the operating hours for eateries for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) is from 6am to 10pm, and for EMCO areas in Klang Valley, the operating hours will return to 8am to 8pm

Ismail Sabri added that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) offices within EMCO areas will be allowed to operate at a 60% capacity from 9am to 1pm.

Previously, the EPF had announced that their offices within the EMCO areas will be closed throughout the lockdown period.

He also announced that Penang will move into Phase 2 of the NRP tomorrow, 7 July, after achieving the three key indicators required — number of daily cases below 4,000, 10% of the population vaccinated, and the health system in moderate condition.

Remember to limit your movement and keep practising physical distancing. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:

Read the latest COVID-19 updates on SAYS:

You may be interested in: