Conditional MCO: What Can Open, What Can’t Yet
Hearing the cries of economic hardship faced by the people of Malaysia since the enactment of Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18th March, the Prime Minister has allowed most business sectors to operate, beginning 4th May, in the fifth phase of MCO (29th April until 12th May).
This period, until MCO is lifted in due time, is known as Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) or Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan bersyarat (PKP bersyarat) in Bahasa Malaysia.

While most businesses have been given the green light to operate at full capacity, there are some that still have to wait for their turn, especially those that gather people, such as theme parks and exhibitions, as well as those that require physical contact like foot reflexology, hair cut and contact sports.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of businesses and activities that are barred from operating during CMCO:
Museums
Theme parks
Beauty salons and barber shops
Cruise ships
Ramadan and Raya bazaars
Self-service launderettes
Seminars and political ceramah
Conventions and exhibitions, including tourism and bridal fairs
Busking
Sport competitions that involve supporters
Indoor sports facilities including gymnasiums
Recreational fishing
Movie filming
Public concerts
Use of hotel facilities such as spas, seminar rooms, lounges, restaurants and cafes
Bank-related sales and marketing activities outside office premises
Even for those who are allowed to operate, there are strict guidelines to follow, which are in accordance with the new normal. From what I understand, the responsibility for staff healthcare falls entirely on the shoulders of the employer in the event that one of them falls ill with COVID-19, whether the virus was contracted in the workplace or not.
Therefore, although most businesses have been given the go-ahead come 4th May, it doesn’t mean that employers must do so. Similarly, employees who can work from home due to their nature of job are highly encouraged to continue with the routine.
For more information, log on to the website of the Malaysian National Security Council (KMN), that is currently inaccessible, or join its official Telegram Group.
As you can see, CMCO is more relaxed than MCO but this does not construe that the battle is won against the highly infectious novel Coronavirus that has already claimed more than 200,000 lives worldwide. As such, it’s best that we continue to be vigilant in our personal hygiene and health; lie low till it blows over.