Govt allows additional sectors to operate to bolster economy post-COVID-19

The Cabinet has decided to allow several additional economic sectors to operate in phases during the Movement Control Order (MCO), which has been extended until April 28, on condition of strict adherence to health and safety guidelines.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said other industries that are allowed to operate are machinery and equipment, aerospace and science, professional and technical services, including research and development (RD) related to legal practice, oil gas, and activities related to COVID-19.

In addition, registered traditional medicine services, hardware shops, electrical and electronic shops, optometrist shops, barber shops, and full-service laundry shops are allowed to operate, it said in a statement today.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said companies in the additional sectors listed may submit their application to MITI beginning Monday, April 13, 2020, from 9.00 am.

He said all applications must be made online at MITI, http://www.miti.gov.my and only applications that are complete and fulfil the conditions will be processed.

Besides adhering to these enhanced terms and guidelines, operating permits are also subject to compliance with the requirements set by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and guidelines by other relevant enforcement agencies from time to time.

Azmin said failure to comply will result in the immediate revocation of the operating permit and legal action taken on the offenders.

MITI has reviewed the additional sectors that are allowed to operate based on importance in the global value chain (GVC) and the country's exports.

The additional economic sectors allowed also have high value-added multiplier, giving impact on the sustainability of SMEs in the economy, particularly in manufacturing and services, as well as the size of workforce involved.

-- BERNAMA