Eateries in states under MCO can operate until 10pm - Ismail Sabri
The government today decided to extend the operating hours for food and beverage businesses in states that are under the movement control order (MCO) to 10pm daily.
Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in announcing the decision this evening said the new rule will be in force from tomorrow...
The government today decided to extend the operating hours for food and beverage businesses in states that are under the movement control order (MCO) to 10pm daily.
Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in announcing the decision this evening said the new rule will be in force from tomorrow.
According to him, the decision was made after relevant ministries and agencies deliberated on the issue, following numerous complaints they received from the public recently.
"As I have always said, the government always listens to the people, and we noted the complaints. So, we have conducted meetings to discuss this issue.
"The meetings started last week, including yesterday when we asked the sub-committee (on Covid-19) comprising the Health Ministry, National Security Council, and other agencies and ministries in charge of economic affairs to deliberate on the matter.
"We understand that many are saying that eateries now have to close too early, and many did not have enough time to buy dinner after they come home from work. Also taken into account were grouses from food and beverage businesses, especially those whose types of food were only frequented late in the evening, like satay and burgers.
"So, after the discussions by the committees and ministries, today, I want to announce that we have agreed to extend the operations of restaurants and eateries to 10pm, starting tomorrow," Ismail said.
Since MCO 2.0 began on Jan 13, some members of the public aired their grouses over how difficult it was to order their dinner as eateries were only allowed to operate between 6am and 8pm daily.
This then led to arguments on social media between those who want the government to extend the operating hours, and those who feel it is unnecessary.
Ismail previously told Malaysiakini they received complaints and would seek the Health Ministry's advice on whether it is viable to give a time extension.
Eateries are still not allowed to provide dine-in services. Food purchases can only be done either by takeaway, delivery, or drive-through.
