KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's construction, manufacturing, mining and quarry sectors (essential and non-essential) with at least 80% of their workers vaccinated against Covid-19 are now allowed to be fully operational.

       State Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic) said companies under these sectors, with 60% to 79% of their manpower vaccinated, would also operate at 80% capacity.

       This was among the updated standard operating procedure (SOP) announced for Sabah on Monday (Aug 16) under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       He also announced businesses categorised as trade and distribution services are allowed to operate. This includes shops selling sports equipment, clothes and accessories, jewellery and photography.

       "Also allowed to re-open are handicraft and souvenir shops, antique shops, toy stores, carpet stores, creative items stores, skincare and perfumery, outdoor gear stores and tobacco stores.

       "All these sub-sectors mentioned can operate on condition that all customers and workers must have received at least their first vaccine dose and are required to be fully immunised by Sept 15," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 16).

       With the relaxation of these SOPs, shopping malls are expected to be operational with the allowed sub-sectors mentioned, he added.

       Masidi last week has said that the Sabah government will give a grace period of one month before the "fully vaccinated" requirement comes into force for those patronising premises such as restaurants and supermarkets.