KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Only food manufacturing factories and producers of daily essential needs are allowed to operate during the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur which would begin on July 3, Putrajaya announced today.

In a statement, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob listed rice, white bread, sugar, cooking oil, flour, fresh milk, baby milk formula, drug and face mask producers as permitted businesses.

“Only the essential services sector is allowed to operate from 8am until 8pm such as utilities, cleaning and sewage.

“All residents in the EMCO areas are not allowed to leave their homes, except for one representative from each household to purchase basic necessities within a radius of 10km from the residence.

“The vaccination programme will be enhanced and intensified in the affected areas,” Ismail, who is also defence minister, said.

He said the projected infectivity rate or R-naught for both Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is at 1.0 and shows no sign of a decline.

“This situation is worrisome, especially when we take into account the population density in both states and also the spread of three new Covid-19 variants, namely the Beta variant B.1.351 (South Africa), Delta B.1.617.2 (India) and Alpha B.1.1.7 (the United Kingdom),” he said.

Ismail said that all routes to the affected areas will be closed during the EMCO. Entry will be under police control.

He also said that the Health Ministry will carry out targeted Covid-19 screenings on residents in the affected areas.

However, he said crossing district and state borders will be allowed for Covid-19 vaccinations. Those with appointments during the EMCO will have to show proof at security check points using their MySejahtera app or SMS or through the website.

Ismail also said airports and ports are allowed to operate as usual. 

“Public transport services (trains, commuters, buses, airports, taxis, ferries, e-hailing) are allowed to operate as usual with 50 per cent capacity.

“The number of passengers in taxis and e-hailing is limited to two people only including the driver,” he added.