PUTRAJAYA: Encouraged by the positive development concerning the national vaccination rate, slight changes have been made to the standard operating procedure under Phases One and Two of the National Recovery Plan, which, among others, allow for the public to partake in individual cycling and games.
Changes in SOP under Phase One allow for these recreational activities to be done with physical distancing of two to three metres but in the neighbourhood or surrounding area.
Operating hours for public and daily markets have been extended from 6am to 4pm depending on local authorities with SOP to be monitored by Rela or local council officers, whereas operating hours for controlled fresh markets are from 7am to 2pm.
Announcing this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said to boost productivity, presence at offices for the public sector would be increased to 40% and is subject to orders and directives by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
He also said that accounts services would be allowed to operate at 60% capacity now.
“The changes are made following positive development to our vaccination rate,” he said yesterday.
Ismail Sabri, however, did not state when the slightly relaxed SOP would take effect.
“Ports, airports and the logistics sector in areas under Phase One will be permitted to operate 24 hours while mining and quarry activities can increase workers’ capacity to a maximum of 60%.
“This is to meet demand from critical projects involving construction and repair works for roads, including rural roads,” he said.
Areas under Phase One are Selangor, Federal Territories, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Kedah.For states under Phase Two, the relaxation of the SOP will see outside filming be allowed with strict adherence to Covid-19 prevention protocols.
Operating hours for business premises, including specialty stores and petrol stations, will be from 6am to 10pm.
States under Phase Two are Perlis, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sarawak and Sabah.