Eateries and food delivery services throughout Malaysia have been allowed to extend operating hours till 6am during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
This was announced by Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 61, yesterday, on the eve of Ramadan, which begins today. Food establishments were previously allowed to only operate from 10am to 11pm as part of lockdown measures.
“All eateries, restaurants, fast food outlets and also food delivery services that serve for breaking fast and pre-dawn meals are allowed to extend their operating hours until 6am,” Ismail announced at the press conference. Restaurants can also hold buffets throughout this period provided that food is served to tables.
“Sanitisation and disinfection must also be conducted before and after the buffet,” Ismail added.
The decision to relax restrictions on food businesses was to provide convenience to Muslims fasting from dawn to dusk. Outlets are still required to follow coronavirus safety measures such as social distancing. For areas under the Conditional Movement Control Order, which include Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, eateries have to operate at half capacity.
Malaysia has reported 362,173 coronavirus cases and 1,333 deaths. Parts of the country are still on lockdown of varying levels.
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