More diners per table allowed now, even in MCO states

PETALING JAYA: The government has lifted the two people per table and two people per car ruling for the states that are currently placed under the movement control order from today.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this ruling would apply to those in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.

“More than two people can now sit and eat at a table, depending on its size with a physical distancing of a metre and more than two people can travel in a car, depending on the seating capacity,” he said.

Similar rulings were announced on Tuesday for states placed under conditional MCO and recovery MCO.

Ismail Sabri reminded people to be responsible and continue to follow the SOP to prevent Covid-19 infections.

“We allowed those living under MCO some flexibility after hearing public appeals,” he said.

He also said 20 people, not including the marriage official and witnesses, were allowed at Muslim marriage solemnisation ceremonies (akad nikah) at mosques and religious offices in MCO states.

“This means, each family can have up to 10 members at the ceremony.

“However, this proposal will depend on the approval of state religious authorities as mosques and religious offices come under them,” he said.

Previously, Ismail Sabri said only five people were allowed at marriage solemnisation ceremonies at religious offices.

In states under conditional MCO, the number of people allowed at solemnisation ceremonies was limited to 50% of a venue’s capacity, he said.

There is no limit in Perlis, the only state under the recovery MCO, but hosts must ensure guests practise physical distancing and other SOP.

However, tourism activities and other attractions are not allowed in states under MCO.

In states under conditional MCO, tourist attractions, including zoos, farms, aquariums, edutainment centres, extreme adventure parks, museums and cultural shows, are now allowed but can only accept visitors up to 50% of the usual capacity.

Meanwhile, tourist and cultural attractions in Perlis can have more visitors as long as physical distancing is practised.

Other SOP such as registering details or scanning MySejahtera and temperature checks will continue to be in place.

On Tuesday, Ismail Sabri announced the extension of MCO for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor, while the majority of states nationwide were now placed under conditional MCO.

Separately, he said enhanced MCO at Kampung Sebako 1 and 2 in Lundu, Sarawak, would be lifted as scheduled today.

He said the Health Ministry conducted 505 tests there and a total of 24 came back positive.

However, enhanced MCO at SM Sultan Idris Shah 2 in Gerik, Pahang, which is also supposed to end today, has been extended until March 1.