Malaysian employers in distribution sector no longer need CIMS letter to operate

Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Alexander Nanta Linggi, however, did not mention whether this latest decision regarding CIMS may expand to other sectors in Malaysia as well.

[On 15 October, Friday, this story is updated with MITI's latest statement on CIMS for those in manufacturing sector.]

Businesses in the distribution sector in Malaysia will not require a COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS)-approved letter to operate, going forward, as confirmed by KPDNHEP Laman Rasmi (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs).

Per Bernama's report, this was shared by Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Alexander Nanta Linggi, on Monday (11 October 2021).

Previously, as part of the country's National Recovery Plan (NRP), the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) had announced that businesses require approval letters to operate, not to mention declare the rate of vaccinated employees for those in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Minister Alexander, however, did not mention if this latest decision regarding CIMS applies to employers across all sectors in Malaysia, or is limited to those in distribution trade sectors.

That said, according to MITI's latest statement on 13 October (Wednesday), employers in the manufacturing sector would still require a CIMS-approved letter to operate. In addition, employers must declare the rate of fully-vaccinated employees in the same system.

Employers and businesses are nonetheless required to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) under Phase Two and Three of NRP, set by the National Security Council (MKN, or Majlis Keselamatan Negara), the Minister said following Bernama's report.

Minister Alexandar added that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP, or Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna) would continue to conduct enforcement checks to ensure that business owners, as well as ensure that the public adheres to the prescribed SOPs.

Image / Minister Alexander's Facebook

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!