PUTRAJAYA (May 23): Customers will be allowed to spend a maximum of two hours at all retail premises including shopping complexes beginning May 25, said Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said this is among the standard operating procedures (SOPs) updated for the trade sector including retail, wholesale, and distribution following the announcement by Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to tighten the implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0.

Another updated SOP is the operation hours of the distributive trade sector, which includes all retail, wholesale, distribution premises as well as restaurants, from 8am to 8pm.

"For pharmacy and personal care outlets, the hours remain from 8am to 10pm except activities which are not allowed, such as spa and wellness, as well as manicure and pedicure services," he said in a statement today.

He said other improvements to be implemented is the rule to limit the total of customers inside retail premises including shopping complexes at one time, based on the space of business premises with the ruling of one person for every four square metres.

Employee limit at all retail, wholesale, distribution, and shopping complexes, including management, operation, and support staff, is fixed at 60%, he said.

Retail premises listed under Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement System, which are still at high-risk level after assessment by the Ministry of Health (MOH), will be closed immediately for three days for sanitisation, he said.

"The improvement and additional restrictions will only be enforced beginning May 25 nationwide," he said, asking industry players under the distributive sector to ensure SOPs' compliance by staff and customers.

"Business premises owners must also always be proactive, alert, and ensure SOPs' compliance constantly at the maximum level to ensure the safety of their respective premises and public," he said.

Nanta said the Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will mobilise 2,262 enforcement officers nationwide to ensure compliance to the tightened SOPs at all related premises.

"KPDNHEP enforcement officers will also intensify inspections on business premises including during weekends and holidays," he said.

He stressed that the ministry as one the agencies empowered to enforce MCO under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), will not compromise on taking stringent actions including issuing compounds.

"The ministry will also not hesitate to propose to the National Security Council to immediately close any premises found not adhering to the tightened MCO SOPs," he said.

Nanta said cooperation from all parties at the moment is very important to ensure Covid-19 transmission comes under control soon, while maintaining the country's economic sustainability.

For further enquiries, industry players and members of the public can contact the Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat at hotline 03- 8882 5881/ 5905 or email to [email protected].