PETALING JAYA: Haircuts and car washes will be allowed again when the nation transitions into the second phase of the National Recovery Plan.

       Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in a statement on Sunday (June 27), listed a few more economic sectors that will be allowed to operate in the plan's subsequent phases.

       He said under phase two, the automotive, ceramic, furniture, rubber, iron and steel and cement manufacturing sectors will be allowed to operate.

       "Stationery, computer and telecommunications and electrical appliances retailers, as well as car washes and hair salons, will also be in the positive list," he said, but added that hair salons were only allowed to offer basic haircuts.

       These sectors can operate between 8am and 8pm.

       Farmers and morning markets can also reopen under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan.

       They will be allowed to open between 7am and 11am, but only six items may be sold including vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, seafood and meat," he said, adding that weekend markets, night markets and "Tamu" will still remain closed.

       Interstate and inter-district travel under Phase 2 will still not be allowed except for students facing examinations, teachers and married couples living away from each other.

       "Long-distance married couples will be allowed to travel and see each other, but only if there is an emergency and with police permits," he said.

       Under Phase 3, most sectors will be allowed to open except those deemed high-risk such as spas, nail parlours, pubs and clubs.

       However, beauty salons will be allowed to operate under strict SOP.

       People can also look forward to inter-district travel, dine-ins, domestic tourism, home visits and students returning to school and universities during Phase 3.

       While there will be more freedom, there are also some restrictions in place.

       Although domestic tourism is allowed, the opening of places of interest will depend on risk assessments and strict SOP.

       "Interstate travel is still not allowed and dine-ins are limited to two people. Social activities, in general, are still not allowed but homeowners can accept up to 10 guests at any one time," he said.

       Ismail Sabri said three people, including the driver, will also be allowed to sit in private cars, taxis and e-hailing rides.

       The creative industry will also be allowed to reopen, but cannot accept audiences.

       All economic sectors and activities will eventually reopen in the final phase of the National Recovery Plan.