KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government has issued updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the agriculture sector effective Monday (July 12), which include a relaxed ruling for fishing activities.

       Under the latest guidelines for Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in this state, fishermen outside the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszon) could now carry out fishing activities round-the-clock.

       "This includes coastal, deep sea and aquaculture activities.

       "For fishermen registered with the Sabah Fisheries Department in Esszone areas, they are allowed to operate from 6am to 3pm at permitted jetties and based on the approval permits issued by the respective district police chiefs.

       "The Safma fisheries complex in Kota Kinabalu meanwhile is allowed to operate from midnight to 7pm," said state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun on Monday (July 12).

       Under the agriculture sector, the updated guidelines also included plantation, farming, agro-based industry and related businesses like agriculture hardware suppliers and workshops, where the workers’ capacity is not exceeding 80%.

       Sabah recorded 298 new cases on Monday, up 27 cases from the day before, but no new cluster was registered.