Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced this morning that the government will be implementing a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) beginning 4 May 2020, during which a large portion of economic and social activities will be allowed to resume.
However, businesses and activities that involve mass gatherings of people such as cinemas, entertainment centres, bazaars and exhibitions are not allowed. Close contact sports activities such as football, rugby, swimming and indoor sports are also not permitted, although outdoor activities that do not involve close contact or mass gatherings will be allowed.
This restriction also remains unchanged for social activities such as family gatherings, open houses, parties, concerts, and all forms of gatherings, including religious activities. Educational institutions will remain closed and interstate travel will still be barred except for work purposes. Restaurants will also be allowed to reopen, with strict social distancing rules set in place. The same rule applies for public transportation, where users are advised to use masks and avoid crowding public transportation facilities. The government is proposing staggered working hours in order to mitigate this situation.
Businesses in the public and social sectors that are allowed to operate are subject to stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), including wearing masks, practising social distancing and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene.
Employers are required to assess staff temperature on a daily basis, while staff must ensure that all items are kept clean and avoid body contact with colleagues. Employers may instruct their staff to continue working from home and are also encouraged to give leeway and flexibility to work on alternate days to families with small children.
Employers and staff are advised to adhere strictly to the SOPs, as should there be a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, the government may reimpose tighter MCO or alternative measures which would affect the reopening of the economy.
Specific Information Relevant to Member Firms
For member firms, kindly take note of the following:
- There is no requirement to make applications to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in order to operate from 4 May 2020 onwards.
- According to MITI, beginning from 4 May 2020, member firms must declare firm information and confirm adherence with MITI’s SOP to notification.miti.gov.my. Firms are given up to 12 May 2020 to make such a declaration. MITI will provide further information on the format of this declaration.
- There is no limit in terms of operating hours, staff capacity and services allowed. However, clients’ visiting time is strictly from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Operations in locations under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) are not allowed.
- Accounting firms are required to follow activities and protocols set by MITI. Click HERE for more information.
- The activities and protocols include the following areas:
- Protocols for prevention of diseases
- Health screening
- Health declaration at office premises
- Sanitisation of office premises
- Social distancing, health and safety procedures for employees
- Ethics at common areas
- Company vehicles
Although member firms are allowed to operate from 4 May 2020 onwards, MIA would like to advise member firms to perform proper sanitisation of office premises and take precautionary measures for staff before allowing them to return to work. Should there be a need for COVID-19 screening, staff of firms can participate in the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Care Screening Programme (Program Saringan Prihatin – PSP) in order to enjoy free COVID-19 screening. Please click HERE to refer to the SOCSO media statement. The Care Screening Programme (PSP) is provided free of charge to all SOCSO contributors and will be conducted through service providers appointed by SOCSO. Employees can access the list of the service providers through the SOCSO PSP Portal HERE.
MIA will continue to closely monitor the situation, maintain close communication with our stakeholders, and will notify members of any future developments. MIA would like to advise all members to comply with the CMCO and to practice stringent health standard operating procedures. We would also like to advise all our members who are employers to adhere to the relevant laws and regulations stipulated under the CMCO.
Click HERE for the Prime Minister’s speech.
Click HERE for more information on the SOP – Pembukaan Semula Ekonomi
MIA continues to offer support through its various digital channels, including the COVID-19 Resources for MIA Members and Other Stakeholders, which provides a one-stop access to essential resources, updates and guidance, including relevant information pertinent to our members and stakeholders.
We would also like to invite you to sign up to our Telegram channel, available here: MIA Telegram Broadcast (Official) channel.
For further information, our team will continue to be contactable via online channels. We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time and we hope that everyone will stay safe.
MIA team are contactable via online channels as follows:
CPE Audit: [email protected]
Complaints: [email protected]
CARE Programme: [email protected]
General Enquiries: [email protected]
Membership Matters: [email protected]
Member Firm: [email protected]
Practicing Certificate: [email protected]
Professional Development: [email protected]
Qualifying Examination: [email protected]
Regional Offices
Johor: [email protected]
Northern Region: [email protected]
Sabah: [email protected]
Sarawak: [email protected]
Technical Enquiries: https://member.mia.org.my
#STAYSAFE #ACCOUNTABILITY #INTEGRITY
Dr Nurmazilah Dato’ Mahzan
Chief Executive Officer
