KUCHING: The latest operating hours for business premises that sell groceries and food necessities in the Covid-19 red zones across Sarawak are from 6 am until 10 pm instead of from 6 am until midnight previously.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that the move was to control the spread of Covid-19.
“Last time, we allowed until 12 (midnight)… even during the first (movement control order), saloons were not allowed to open.
“But now, we allow businesses to operate until 10pm only,” he told a press conference on the enforcement of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Monday (April 19).
Abang Johari was responding to questions on whether operating hours of business premises which sold groceries and food necessities would be shortened from midnight to 10pm in the red zones.
“We allow the economic activities to continue until 10pm; if not, it will affect the lives of many and people will lose their jobs,” he said.
The chief minister also reminded everybody to continue complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the virus.
On April 16, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that only business premises which sold groceries and food necessities were allowed to operate until midnight.
The decision to extend the operating hours to midnight was in view of the Ramadan month.
But entertainment centres such as bistro and cafes (including karaoke centres) were allowed to operate until 10pm only.
As of today (April 19), the 20 Covid-19 red zone districts include Kuching, Sri Aman, Bukit Mabong, Belaga, Kanowit, Selangau, Saratok, Subis, Matu, Mukah, Sarikei, Beluru, Samarahan, Serian, Julau, Meradong, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Sibu.
