KUALA LUMPUR: The government will allow all restaurants, stalls, eateries, including coffee houses in hotels, as well as fast-food shops and food delivery services in states under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and Recovery MCO to operate until 6 am during the Ramadan fasting month.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was to enable those fasting, especially those who are single, to purchase food for their pre-dawn meals (sahur).
However, he said for eateries in shopping complexes or supermarkets, they would be subject to the operating hours of the said premises.
"The government received various applications from the people regarding the purchase of food, especially involving single people. Previously, these eateries or stalls were only allowed to operate until midnight or according to the conditions set in the licence issued by the local authorities.
"This means eateries can now continue to operate until pre-dawn meal (sahur) time and those fasting can buy takeaways from or eat at the shops that are open," he told a media conference today.
Ismail Sabri also said that hotels, restaurants and eateries would be allowed to hold buffets for the breaking of fast, with strict compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOP).
He said food handlers would be required to serve food to customers at buffets.
“As for the number of customers allowed for Ramadan buffets in areas under the CMCO and RMCO, we will allow provided there is physical distancing among the customers and the tables must be set two metres apart.
“For the breaking of fast in offices and halls, areas under CMCO must ensure the event occupies only 50 per cent of venue’s capacity while 100 per cent capacity is allowed for RMCO areas, but in accordance with the stipulated SOP,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also announced that Selangor, Johor, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur and Penang would continue to remain under the CMCO from April 15-28 while Sarawak would continue to be placed under the CMCO from April 13-26.
According to him, the RMCO in Perlis, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, Putrajaya, Labuan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan (except in Seremban) and Kedah (except in Kuala Muda) would be extended from April 15-28.
Ismail Sabri said the government had also placed Kampung Meruntum, Sabah under the Enhanced MCO from April 13-26 following a rise in COVID-19 cases in the locality.
On the COVID-19 situation in the country, Ismail Sabri said data from the Ministry of Health (MOH) showed that Malaysia could potentially face a fourth wave of the pandemic judging by the fact that the daily infectivity rate yesterday rose to over 1.0.
As such, he urged the public to comply with the SOP, especially since the Ramadan bazaar and Tarawih prayers will be allowed during the fasting month.
“The rate of COVID-19 infectivity according to yesterday’s daily case nationwide rose to 1.06.
“We must all comply with the SOP, more so since there are a lot of activities during the Ramadan month, such as the Ramadan bazaars, breaking of fast and Tarawih prayers,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Apr 12 2021
Ismail Sabri said the permission for eateries to operate until 6 am was to enable those fasting, especially those who are single, to purchase food for their pre-dawn meals (sahur). -- BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.