CIMS Letter No Longer Needed for These Sectors

All businesses in the distribution trade sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) no longer require a letter of authorisation to operate via the COVID-19 Information Management System (CIMS).

Additionally, businesses under the tourism and culture sub-sector are also allowed to operate without applying for approval through the system.

However, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said that they are subject to the conditions of having fully vaccinated workers and strict compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Each company or business premises must also ensure that the number of workers does not exceed the maximum capacity allowed and show a valid copy of the latest Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) certificate and business licence.

MOTAC said it could issue a compound under Section 25 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) to businesses that fail to adhere to the conditions.

"It is hoped that the industry will cooperate to ensure compliance with the SOPs and other government directives issued via the National Security Council (MKN) from time to time," it said.

Don't forget to comply with the SOP

KPDNHEP Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said each sector is still subject to the SOP of the current National Recovery Plan (PPN), especially for states that are still in Phases 2 and 3.

He said all members of the Malaysian Family, consumers and traders are advised to be smart consumers by implementing purchasing strategies such as planning purchases, location and time of purchase to maximise savings.

He said consumers are also advised to prioritise quality, always compare prices, and buy from premises that offer reasonable prices.

"The Malaysian Family are also reminded not to be complacent about the flexibility given by the government," he said in a statement today.

Nanta said KPDNHEP enforcement officers would continue to inspect and enforce SOP compliance through Ops Samar, namely through disguise (without uniforms), to ensure business premises and the public comply with the SOPs.

The distribution trade sector contributed 16% to the GDP in the second quarter of 2021.

Interstate travel ban lifted

Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced that interstate travel was allowed effective today.

Alexander said the government saw interstate travel clearance as another positive step towards boosting the country's economic recovery, especially the domestic economy and the distribution and retail sectors.

He said the distribution trade sector was among the main economic activities in the country and contributed 16% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or RM311.6 billion in sales value in the second quarter of 2021.

About CIMS

CIMS is a one-stop centre managed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) that issues operating and movement permits for all industrial sectors deemed essential during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

During the MCO, Malaysian companies that wish to operate must first register on the CIMS portal. Companies allowed to operate were given MITI's approval letter, which they could download at the CIMS portal. 

Source: BERNAMA, The Edge Markets

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