PUTRAJAYA: Economic sectors including non-essential businesses showed 98 per cent compliance to the standard operating procedure (SOP) under the Movement Control Order (MCO) since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said out of all the premises checked, the ministry found less than one per cent of the business entities flouting the SOP.
"Until May 6, we have conducted SOP compliance checks at more than 528,581 premises and we found that 520,028 of them, or about 98.36 per cent, strictly adhered to the SOP.
"Meanwhile, 597 premises which represent 0.11 per cent were issued warnings and 178 premises slapped with compounds.
"However, we will not hesitate to enforce strict measures including suggesting to the National Security Council (NSC) to close down any businesses found flouting the SOP during the MCO 3.0 period."
Alexander said this after launching the Jualan Prihatin Raya (JPR) at Anjung Seri of the KPDNHEP's headquarters, here, today.
Based on the good SOP-compliance data, Alexander said the ministry decided to allow businesses, including non-essential businesses, to operate during MCO 3.0.
"There had been complaints from people who asked why non-essential businesses are allowed to operate during the MCO.
"Looking at the 98 per cent SOP compliance rate and after thorough considerations, we decided to let them operate in order to allow business continuity.
"People also depend on business activities (to survive). For example, a jewelry shop may not be essential, but it is essential for its workers to ensure continuity of employment.
"There are people depending on monthly salaries and daily wages, so we are trying to make sure that everybody can keep their jobs, especially with Aidilfitri around the corner and families need to make preparation for the festival.
"But again, if these businesses are flouting the SOP, we will take drastic measures," he said.
KPDNHEP earlier organised the Jualan Prihatin Raya programme at its headquarters, with essential items such as chicken, fish and eggs are sold at marked down prices.
The one-day programme started at 8am this morning. It was made possible through cooperation between the ministry and eight companies comprising suppliers and wholesalers.
The programme was initially scheduled to meet residents at PPRT Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur and Taman Putra Perdana, Sepang tomorrow (May 8) and May 9. However, it was cancelled due to the current measures under the MCO.