Malaysia extends RMCO to 31 March 2021: SOPs to take note of

This will apply nationwide, except in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and areas placed under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO, or PKPB) or Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO, or PKPD). 

Malaysia has extended its Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO, or PKPP), and it will take place from 1 January 2021 and up until 31 March 2021. This will apply nationwide, except in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and areas placed under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO, or PKPB) or Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO, or PKPD). 

In a Facebook post on 1 January (Friday), Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this decision comes following a 'significant increase' in COVID-19 cases in the country, as well as high rates of infections. It has since been gazetted in the Federal Government Gazette.

Among other reasons, the minister noted that the increase of cases could be attributed to the large-scale, compulsory screenings of foreign workers in certain states, and the spread of the infection in communities such as the Klang Valley. 

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri thus highlighted that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the PKPP will be applicable during the period of extension, and will be subject to changes from time to time. He added: "The public is advised to continue to comply with the SOP, practise 3Ws [wear face mask (wear), wash hands frequently (wash), warn family members, friends and neighbors to comply with the SOP (warn)] and avoid the 3Cs - narrow places (confine space), crowded places and close conversations to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading in the community."

In line with that, the National Security Council has shared the relevant SOPs for the public to note on the RMCO/PKPP, as follows:

Key points of these SOPs include:

• Business events related to meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions are allowed to operate in compliance with safe distancing, mandatory use of face masks and based on the SOPs.
• Face-to-face meetings of Government and private agencies in offices, hotels, convention centers, etc. are allowed with physical distancing and wearing face masks.
• Creative industry sectors and activities are allowed according to SOPs detailed for the industry.
• Business travelers attending business events from Government-authorised countries must adopt the existing One-Stop Center (OSC) MIDA platform in compliance with the entry requirements set by the Government.
• Movement within PKPP areas, to other PKPP areas and PKPB areas is allowed.
• However, movement to PKPD areas requires permission from the Royal Malaysia Police.
• Transit through these PKPD areas is not allowed. 

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Along with this, the council has also shared the following SOPs relevant to areas under the CMCO/PKPB:

Key points of these SOPs include:

• Business events related to meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions are allowed to operate at 50% of the capacity of the premises in compliance with physical distancing, mandatory use of face masks and based on the relevant SOP.
• Face-to-face meetings for official business/work held in offices, hotels and other institutions are allowed by complying with physical distancing, mandatory the wearing of face masks and only 50% of the meeting room capacity.
• Economic and industrial sector activities in the PKPB areas are carried out as set by the Government with compliance with the SOPs that have been set.
• All vehicles related to industry, business and manufacturing are allowed to operate including across districts and states.

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[Also read: FAQs on work-from-home regulations in CMCO areas in Malaysia: Who can return to office, stipulated hours, and more]

Lead image / Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob's Facebook page

SOP infographics / National Security Council's Facebook page