PETALING JAYA: The automotive industry is one of several non-essential services qualified to resume business during the extended movement control order (MCO).
This means companies that are involved in the exports of CBU vehicles, trade in components and aftersales support can resume business.
However, they are required to apply online from 9.00am on Monday (April 13) on the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s website www.miti.gov.my for permission to operate during the MCO period.
Other aspects of the industry such as physical dealerships are unlikely to re-open as it would mean encouraging mass movement of people, which runs counter to the purpose of the MCO. This does not stop such dealerships from communicating with prospective customers through online channels to provide further information and test-drives of cars after the MCO is lifted.
Should qualified applicants get the official approval to operate, the health and safety of their workers remain a top priority, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
Azmin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, warned that permission given to industries will be revoked immediately if the businesses did not comply with the stated standard operating procedures.
The same requirements apply to selected non-essential and professional services.
The list from the International Trade and Industry Ministry includes industries such as machinery and equipment, aerospace, construction projects, social health services including traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, hardware and electrical shops, opticians as well as full-service laundrettes and hair salons/barber shops (haircuts only).
The MCO was extended yesterday for the second time to April 28, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, which has severely impacted economic activities.
“The decision was made after we realised the need to open up more economic sectors as the Covid-19 pandemic is not only affecting the health of the people but is also affecting the economy, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“We found that the level of compliance from the government’s decision to allow several critical manufacturing and services sectors to operate during the first phase of the MCO had been good.
“Nevertheless, the government continues to monitor the compliance of the conditions as stipulated by the Health Ministry and also to ensure that health screening and preventive measures are implemented for the safety of employees and customers.
“This step is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the country’s economy post-Covid-19, to prevent the loss of jobs among Malaysians and to ensure that the rakyat continue to have access to basic needs and critical products throughout the MCO period, ” he said.
Azmin is also co-chair of a Special Cabinet Committee to Mitigate the Impact of Covid-19 on the Economy and Labour Market, which later made proposals to the Cabinet.
He said among the considerations the Cabinet took into account before deciding on which industries could operate were the stability of export activities, survival of SMEs, and the size of the workforce.
Muhyiddin stressed that the decision was not a case of easing the MCO, but one where the approved businesses must follow strict procedures.
“I must emphasise that while we allow some sectors to re-open, this does not mean that we are relaxing the MCO. The order is still being enforced and orders issued by authorities must be followed, ” he said.
