MCO: SOP to give relaxation to green zone expected next week

The government is expected to announce a special standard operating procedure (SOP) on the relaxation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) involving the movement of people in the green zone next week.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the National Security Council (MKN) was in the final stage of presenting the matter.

He said that in the early stages, the MCO 's relaxation was likely to be gradual and limited to regional movements only.

"For example, in the area of public housing projects (apartments), if all the residents were found to have no symptoms in the MCO period, we may allow them to bring the children down the block but not leave the area.

"The SOP issued may determine the turn of the block and the time it will take. These are being drafted and MKN is seeking input from all ministries.

"Next week we can conclude the inputs that MKN is reviewing with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). We will announce it later," he said at a press conference here today.

In the meantime, Ismail Sabri also commented on the consideration to extend the operation of eating outlets until 10 pm for the convenience of breaking of fast and pre-dawn meals.

He explained that might be considered in the new SOP involving the green zone, as well as the same consideration could be made for the operation of pawnshops.

"So far, the restaurant operations remain with the old SOP until 8 pm. Customers need to make orders in advance.

"But the SOP based on the zone will be considered. So, it may be considered for the green zone later. But we will have to wait for the SOP to be unveiled by MKN later.

"This also includes pawnshops. Ar-Rahnu, if it is inside Bank Rakyat, we might allow it to open. About other pawnshops... it has not yet opened but we will see in the green zone SOP later," he said.