Port Klang operations continue, not within CMCO area

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Oct 2020:

The Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Klang, Selangor – which will take effect from midnight – involves only areas in the Klang mukim (sub-district), said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the federal and Selangor governments were still working out the areas and localities to be covered by the order and would make an announcement once details have been finalised.

Ismail Sabri said it had also been agreed that Port Klang would operate as usual and economic activities were allowed to operate according to the stipulated times.

“Wholesale markets will operate from 4am to 2pm, farmer’s markets from 6am to noon and normal markets will operate from 6am to 2pm while night markets are not allowed.

“Restaurants, food stalls and food shops can open but are limited from 6am to 10pm and for drive-thru, delivery and takeaways only,” he said in a virtual press conference streamed live from his residence via the Defence Ministry Facebook page today.

Ismail Sabri said the detailed list of the allowed and prohibited economic activities would be issued by the International Trade and Industry Ministry soon.

He added that public transport such as buses, taxis and e-hailing vehicles are only allowed to operate from 6am to midnight.

Yesterday, the government announced the enforcement of CMCO in red zones – namely Sandakan, Papar and Tuaran in Sabah and Klang, Selangor starting Oct 9 – following the increasing cases of Covid-19 in these areas.

Meanwhile, banks and automated teller machines in the red zones and CMCO areas would operate as usual.

All commercial vehicles that transport goods and related to businesses such as buses for workers are allowed to operate and travel as normal during the CMCO period in Klang, Selangor as well as Sandakan, Papar and Tuaran districts in Sabah.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the government would ensure economic activities are not unduly restricted in order to safeguard livelihoods and employment during these trying times following implementation of the 14-day CMCO in these areas.

In a statement today, Wee said this was in line with the National Security Council’s (MKN) decision to allow all economic activities in Klang to go on normally, provided standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Health Ministry and MKN are strictly adhered to.

“It is not in the nation’s interest for the economy to be stricken further as we struggle for economic revival. Klang itself has a large industrial base and is home to Malaysia’s largest container port,” he said, adding that Port Klang’s total trade activities in 2019 were worth over RM400 billion, accounting for 22% of Malaysia’s total trade activities.

Wee said the decision took into account the feedback gathered in an online meeting between the Selangor state government, its related agencies and MKN today chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“While the government is supportive of the business and commercial sectors’ ability to do business, it will not tolerate non-compliance with the existing SOPs to combat the pandemic.

Wee said the government would continue to allow businesses to operate responsibly, in line with the established SOPs while the enforcement teams on the ground would monitor and conduct checks and visits.

On the Recovery MCO Compliance Operation Task Force, Ismail Sabri said the police had arrested 420 individuals on various MCO violation offences, yesterday.

“From the total, 380 individuals have been issued compounds, 39 remanded and one released on bail.

“For Ops Benteng, a total of 31 illegal immigrants and one skipper and smuggler were arrested yesterday and 11 land vehicles were also seized,” said Ismail Sabri.

Besides that, the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission have opened some 270 investigation papers pertaining to fake news on Covid-19.

Ismail Sabri said from the total, 133 were still under investigation, 35 charged in court, 19 pleaded guilty and 12 were issued with warning notice.

– Bernama