MCO 2.0: All the things you can and cannot do during the new lockdown

MCO is making a comeback and this time, let us do our part to break the chain once again.

A pandemic that started in early 2020, COVID-19 has dominated our daily lives even until today as the Malaysian government reintroduces the Movement Control Order (MCO) in selected states, while others go through CMCO and RMCO stages.

As we head into MCO 2.0 that starts on 13th January to 26th January 2020 in select states including Penang, Selangor, Malacca, Johor and Sabah, along with three federal territories including Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Adding to that, in view of the worrying situation, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has just addressed the nation on the proclamation of a nationwide State of Emergency, cancelling parliamentary sitting or election until the ban is uplifted.

Being reckoned from 13 to 26 January 2021, here is the list of states and their respective variations of MCO:

MCO
Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya), Johor, Melaka, Penang and Sabah

CMCO
Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang

RMCO
Sarawak, Perlis

And in light of the coming MCO 2.0, let's talk about the "dos and don'ts" of the new lockdown including MCO, CMCO, and RMCO:

States under MCO will allow travelling for essential workers and only within 10 km radius. In addition, only 2 people per household are allowed in a car and individuals found breaking this will be issued a compound up to RM1,000.
Restaurants within MCO states are only allowed to offer take-aways and deliveries. Dine-in as per SOPs can only be done at restaurants within CMCO and RCMO areas.
Supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and banks are allowed to operate as usual.
Only five economic sectors are allowed to operate – manufacturing, trading, agriculture and commodity services, and just 30 percent of workers within a company’s management group are allowed to work in the office with SOPs restrictions.
Non-essential services staff to work from home.
Students who are sitting for SPM, SVM, SKM, STPM, STAM and DVM are allowed to attend school under strict SOPs.
Outdoor recreational activities are permitted among people within the same household. However, individuals must keep a 2m-distance at all times and no more than 2 people allowed to jog at any one time. Cycling is also not allowed in groups; only one person allowed.
Interstate travel for the whole country is not allowed.
Social activities such as weddings, conventions, religious gatherings, seminars, meetings and group sports activities are completely banned.