TO curb overcrowding and allow for social distancing, only selected food outlets are allowed to operate for 24 hours in the city, said Annuar Musa. 

The Federal Territories minister said it was currently looking at all the outlets on a case by case basis. 

“There are some outlets that provide takeaway, but it is too popular and attracting a lot of people. 

“There shouldn’t be overcrowding and physical contact that is detrimental to public health,” he said after the Federal Territories National Security Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur City Hall had ordered 24-hour eateries to operate only from 6am to 10pm, and only for takeaways and deliveries.

It said action will be taken against those who flout the order. 

The directive came into effect on Wednesday, when Putrajaya’s movement control order to curb the spread of Covid-19 began.

Annuar said that, in principal, outlets can operate but only for takeaways. 

“But, the guidelines decided on by the National Security Council and Health Ministry have to be followed. 

“City Hall’s enforcement (team) will check on these outlets and if they don’t abide by the regulations, then we will review their operations.”

On the issue of markets in the city, Annuar said that many people are gathering at markets and not observing social distancing. 

“Our advice is for them to take precautionary measures. All premises should provide sanitisers and the workers must wear face masks. 

“We cannot control 100% of all activities in the city.”

The movement control order was imposed by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Wednesday to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has so far infected 900 people. Two deaths have been reported.

Worldwide, there have been 242,300 infections with a death toll of 9,857. – March 20, 2020.