SUNWAY Pyramid is a shadow of its former self today, the first day of the two-week movement-control order enforcement period, with only its supermarket and shops offering essential services open.

Auxiliary police are stationed at the shopping mall’s entrances to check the temperature of all those who enter.

Among the shops open for business are pharmacies, such as Caring, Watson’s and Guardian, as well as convenience-store chain MyNews.

The only eateries operating are Nando’s, Texas Fried Chicken and McDonald’s, which are catering to takeaway and delivery orders. Restaurants like Chendol Penang have their shutters partially open, with staff seen cleaning the premises.

Popular discount store Daiso is the only anomaly – it is open for business, but no shoppers are seen inside.

In the mall’s Aeon supermarket, there are only a handful of customers. Unlike the last two days, which saw panic-buying, the fresh produce section and shelves are fully stocked.

G. Sumisha said she is doing her groceries today because she was unable to find time to do so yesterday after the movement-control order was announced on Monday night.

“As my office is closed, I decided to come and buy some essentials today.

“This is the first time I’ve managed to find parking easily and don’t have to deal with long queues,” said the Subang Jaya resident.

The government directive bans public gatherings, and only allows travel to buy food and essential goods, or for emergencies.

However, The Star reported that people are still gathering at hawker-style eateries to buy takeaways or just to “look at the situation”.

Parks managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall are closed, but members of the public are seen exercising there. – March 18, 2020.