STRICTER standard operating procedure (SOP) will be enforced under the second movement-control order or MCO 2.0 while allowing economic activity so that businesses can survive.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the additional SOP will be made public soon.

He earlier announced the extension of the MCO 2.0 to February 18.

“For instance, the number of people going to buy groceries at the supermarket or hypermarket will be limited. We do not want such places to be crowded or overcrowded.

“Just like how the first MCO was imposed last year. We will share the SOP to the public soon,” he said in a briefing to official media that was live-streamed today.

The extended MCO 2.0 begins on February 5, a day after the order is due to expire, in all states except Sarawak, which is under the conditional MCO (CMCO).

Interstate travel and social gatherings remain prohibited under the MCO, although more types of economic activities and businesses have been allowed to operate.

Ismail Sabri said this round of MCO would not be like the first, last year, as the government wanted to help the economy, especially small businesses.

“I received many requests from business owners. We understand the hardship. 

“We are still studying the possibility of allowing barbers, salons, car wash and other businesses to open.”

The National Security Council (MKN) will study these appeals and make an announcement soon, he added. – February 2, 2021.