Eateries can still open for takeaways but not dine-in
CORONAVIRUS | Eateries can cater for takeaways but customers cannot dine-in during the restricted movement measure that will be imposed nationwide tomorrow, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi today.
He said this would also apply to restaurants, coffee shops and mamak stalls...
CORONAVIRUS | Eateries can cater for takeaways but customers cannot dine-in during the restricted movement measure that will be imposed nationwide tomorrow, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi today.
He said this would also apply to restaurants, coffee shops and mamak stalls.
The customers can either walk-in for a takeaway or get the food delivered by ordering online.
Alexander added that shopping malls, bazaars, pasar malam and roadside stalls which are not selling essential goods need to close for the next two weeks.
He said Purtrajaya's purpose in imposing the restricted movement was to prevent the spread of Covid-19 via social distancing.
"The actual instruction is for us to minimise the congregation of people in one area, so the instruction is to close (all these premises).
"So, social distancing is the main keyword here. If we open and many come to visit, it defeats the purpose," he told a press conference in Putrajaya.
Alexander (photo), however, said supermarkets and other retail outlets that sell groceries and essential items would continue to operate.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced a movement control order for two weeks from March 18 until March 31, in a bid to slow down the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
All government and private premises must close except for essential services, including food supply.
The measure was announced after the country recorded 125 new infections yesterday, bringing the total to 553 cases.
Commenting on the panic buying in the country before the restrictive movement measure was announced last night, Alexander said there is sufficient supply of goods.
"We are confident... that we have enough (supply).
"The problem is if panic buying happens, it can cause a lot of problems because everybody is rushing for it," he added.
Alexander said the supply of goods not only involved the retail sector, but also the supply chain, including logistics and distribution.
"That's why we are seeking cooperation from everyone. If we don't do panic buying, we can solve a lot of problems," he added.
Even today, Malaysians still resorted to stock goods and food supplies despite knowing these outlets will continue to supply goods as usual in the next two weeks.
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