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Plan grocery runs, don't panic buy, Selangor, KL folk told

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) has urged the public to plan their grocery runs to prevent overcrowding at shops, possibly leading to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also cautioned those in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur against panic-buying ahead of the two-week Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in some sub-districts and localities that takes effect tomorrow.

"The ministry is confident and assures that there is a stable and sufficient supply of essential items nationwide throughout the EMCO period.

"Ministry personnel will continue to conduct daily checks to ensure sufficient supply in all states," he said, reminding shoppers to always adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

He said under the EMCO, supermarkets and hypermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, mini marts and eateries in shopping malls are required to limit the number of shoppers, with only one customer per each 4sqm area allowed in the premises.

He said operating hours for distribution centres were subject to the respective municipal council's regulations, with dine-in at restaurants prohibited.

Operating hours for convenience shops in petrol stations were also subject to the respective local government authority. Only retail activities were allowed at pet shops, pet care centres and hardware stores.

"Installation of appliances and repair works (by contractors) at home are not allowed. Also prohibited are workshops for repair, maintenance and spare parts, as well as car wash services.

"Premises running e-commerce business are only allowed to carry out wrapping and delivery services for those in essential services category, subject to the operational hours set by the local government."

Further details on operations for other essentials services under the trade sector could be referred to the respective Covid-19 coordination and management committee in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, he said.

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