More relaxed rules this CMCO
The states of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya have officially gone into Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) yesterday on 14th October.
When the announcement first came out, the full SOPs had not been confirmed yet, though it was already declared that inter-district travelling, all learning institutions, mass gathering, and entertainment outlets will be barred. As it turns out, these guidelines alone were enough to send people into panic mode.
Panic buying at supermarkets and congestion on highways
Upon hearing the dreaded “CMCO” term being uttered, throngs of people flocked to supermarkets and sundry shops in various areas all over the Klang Valley to stock up on goods in preparation for the lockdown.
Image credit: @steventsh
Social media was abuzz with reported pictures of long lines and huge crowds alongside almost-empty shelves at places such as Tesco in Puchong, Village Grocer in Ara Damansara, NSK in Cheras, and Giant in Ampang, among many others.
Image credit: @NazrudinRahman
Not only that, there was also congestion on the highways a day before the CMCO took effect, presumably because people were looking to get out of the city before the CMCO kicked in. A report by Harian Metro stated that some people were rushing to send their wives and kids back to their kampung as they believe it’s safer for them.
Malls continue to stay open and dining in allowed
Unlike the previous MCO that saw a total lockdown nationwide with people allowed to only go out to buy groceries, take away food, and for other essential services only, this round of CMCO brings with it more relaxed and flexible SOPs.
Image credit: @kkmm_gov
Working from home is optional, rather than mandatory, and dine-ins are allowed at restaurants, though a stricter SOP is put in place that limits only 2 people to a table now.
Malls will remain open, and morning markets, as well as pasar malams will get to continue operating as usual.
The first round of MCO had eateries and shops closed by 8PM, but all eateries, hawker centres, food courts, grocery stores, roadside kiosks, and convenient marts’ opening hours are extended till 10PM now, so you don’t have to worry about going to bed hungry.
Flexible rules this CMCO, but standard SOPs remain crucial
As Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reiterated, do refrain from hoarding groceries as they will not run out as proven by the last MCO that took place in March till May.
Your daily routine will not be affected as much. You can still go to work as per usual, grab a meal at restaurants, and shop for groceries. We just need to keep in mind that adhering to SOPs is even more crucial now than before, with the resurgence of new COVID-19 cases in the Klang Valley. Only go out if necessary, and don’t forget to practice social distancing, mask up, and sanitise regularly!
Stay alert with more COVID-19 updates here:
- KL, Selangor, and Putrajaya to be placed under CMCO
- 1Utama Shopping Centre announces new COVID case
- Polis Bantuan KTMB patrol with temperature screening helmets
Cover image adapted from: @NazrudinRahman and @steventsh
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