A GROUP of opposition lawmakers wants the government to allow eateries in areas subject to the movement control order (MCO) to operate past 8pm.

In a joint statement, 21 MPs said dining in has already been prohibited and the sale of food is restricted to takeaway, drive-thru, or home delivery.

Under the movement control order, restaurants are allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm with the last order for e-delivery riders at 7.30pm.

“The current operating hours for food and beverage outlets make it difficult for those who need to buy food after working hours.

“Allowing traders to operate according to their business licence will help revive the economy, generate income for food delivery riders, and encourage people to stay home as they can place orders from home without being limited to 8pm,” said the statement from Pakatan Harapan, Warisan and Pejuang lawmakers.

The MPs also urged the National Security Council (NSC) to improve the standard operating procedure (SOP) as it affects traders who only depend on their daily wages for a living.

“Compared to MCO phase 1, traders may be even more badly affected now, as they are forced to bear the payment of rent and workers’ salaries without the previous moratorium,” it added.

The 21 MPs are Darell Leiking (Penampang), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar), Mohd Azis Jamman (Sepanggar), Hannah Yeoh (Segambut), Yeo Bee Yin (Bakri), Baru Bian (Selangau), Sivarasa Rasiah (Sungai Buloh), Salahuddin Ayub Pulai), Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu), Teo Nie Ching (Kulai), Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud), Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena), Khalid Samad (Shah Alam), Dr Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam), Maria Chin (Petaling Jaya), Wong Shu Qi (Kluang), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor), Dr Lee Boon Chye (Gopeng), Kasthuriraani Patto (Batu Kawan) and Nor Azrina Surip Nurin Aina (Merbok).

Yesterday, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran urged the NSC to reconsider changing wet market opening time from 7am to 6am.

In a statement, Rajiv said he had received many complaints from his constituents about the restriction on current operating hours.

Currently wet markets are allowed to operate from 7am to 2pm. – January 18, 2021.