THE movement control order (MCO) places no restrictions on supply chain, food marketing and e-commerce activities, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said food supply and e-commerce activities including production, retail, packaging, distribution, wholesale and distribution as well as the manufacture of raw materials are allowed to continue operating according to the guidelines.

Logistics and transport services were also allowed support the supply and marketing chains and e-commerce.

“Companies that support the food supply chain and defined as downstream or support industries are allowed to operate with minimum staffing as long as they comply with Covid-19 regulatory measures,” he said in a statement today.

“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that the retail distribution network is not compromised while giving Malaysians confidence,” he said.

At the same time, the industry is also reminded to implement precautionary measures while doing business, including allowing only symptom-free workers to enter work premises and enforcing social distancing and regular washing of hands

“Companies that are authorised to operate are to do so on with a minimum workforce while shutting down non-essential sections,” he said.

Nanta said employers were required to provide a verification letter for each employee to be shown to the enforcement personnel upon demand.

He advised the people not to worry about the daily supply of food as stocks are sufficient.

“It is important for Malaysians to refrain from panic buying and to practise smart consumerism and planned purchases.” – Bernama, March 24, 2020.