JOHOR BARU: The state government has limited the operating hours of business premises during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
State Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan said all local councils in the state have been instructed to make arrangements for the implementation of the limit.
"All eateries, convenience stores at petrol stations and 24-hour convenience stores are only allowed to operate from 7am and 7pm; while supermarkets must close at 7pm. All night markets, morning markets and 'pasar tani' are not allowed to operate during the period," said Vidyananthan.
Speaking in a Facebook 'live' broadcast, he said businesses and the public should refer to their local councils in their respective jurisdictions for details of operating hours of businesses.
"With the implementation of the limited operating hours, we hope all Johoreans will comply with the MCO and stay at home," said Vidyananthan.
On Sunday, the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) announced limited operating hours for business premises under its jurisdiction.
Johor Baru Mayor Datuk Adib Azhari Daud said business operators are required to comply with the directive from Monday to March 31 in accordance with MBJB’s powers pursuant to Section 72 (1) (f) of the Local Government Act 1976 ( Act 171).
“In line with the implementation of the MCO, business premises are hereby directed to be closed, with the exception of those which are deemed essential to the needs of the nation,” he said.
Adib said this includes 24-hour private clinics where operations are allowed from 8am to 10pm.
"Additionally, wholesale market hours are from 4am to 3pm; while public and private markets can operate from 7am to 3pm; and all other businesses such as petrol stations and supermarkets can operate from 7am to 7pm," he said in a statement.