SOPs for essential economic sector and services: All you need to know

THE Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has formulated a set of comprehensive, relevant and practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the continuity of businesses and industries especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period from 13 to 26 January 2021.

Here is what you need to know:

1. What economic sectors are allowed to operate during the MCO?

There are five essential economic sectors, mainly:

• factories and manufacturing;
• construction;
• services;
• trade and distribution; and
• plantations and commodities.

The list of economic sectors and services that are allowed to operate within the period during MCO can be found in the list of essential services provided by MITI.

2. Do companies need to register as essential services?

Companies that have previously registered with the MITI database that is COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) via link https://notification.miti.gov.my need not re-register to operate during the MCO period.

These companies are only required to download the notification of registration confirmation, beginning today, Jan 12, starting from 3.00 pm.

Companies in the factories and manufacturing sector that fall under the list of the essential services that have not yet registered with CIMS can do so starting 3.00 pm, today.

The registration confirmation notification can be downloaded by the company upon completion of registration.

The SOPs for this sector under the purview of MITI can be downloaded from the MITI website at www.miti.gov.my.

Employees of companies who are allowed to be at work according to the specified times are required to bring along a copy of the notification provided by the employer, together with the employee pass or employer confirmation letter.

3. How many people are allowed to be in work premises?

Only 30 per cent of employees in the management group are allowed to be in the office.

The number of support staff and employees directly involved in the production line will be determined by their respective employers, taking into account strict compliance with the SOP.

For work that does not require physical attendance, Work From Home (WFH) order will take effect.

4. What happens if we violate these rules?

MITI along with state authorities will carry out periodic enforcement throughout the MCO period on companies to ensure SOP compliance and will take action on compounding offences in accordance with Section 25 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Act 342).

Employers found to be in violation and not complying with the SOP will be charged and legal action taken, including closing down the premises.

5. What if we have further questions?

MITI has provided a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to assist the industry in obtaining detailed and accurate information on SOPs set by the government during the MCO period.