• Cross-state travel allowed
• Domestic tourism approved
• Salons, open markets, food trucks and religious centres can reopen
• Certain sports and other activities okayed
• Schools to resume

On 5 June 2020, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin spoke about the government’s economic rejuvenation plan, Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA), whose prominent points you can read in his speech (in Bahasa Melayu) here.

Two days after, on Sunday 7 June 2020, he went before the nation once more to announce the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) which effectively replaces the CMCO today (10 June 2020) and will last until 31 August 2020. Here are some of the takeaways of this new order, which is in response to the notable decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases locally and the need to further breathe life into the nation’s economy.  

Okay To Travel Across State Borders
From today, cross-state travel is permitted except for areas under the Enhanced MCO (EMCO). Those who want to visit out-of-state family members can do so, although the PM urges travellers to adhere to the proper hygiene measures that have been practised since the MCO was put in place in March. Wear face masks when necessary and avoid crowded areas. Extra precautions need to be taken if the family member visited is elderly as they are more susceptible to the virus.

Domestic Tourism Is Allowed
With the reopening of state borders, tourism activities within the nation is allowed, with ‘new normal’ practices in mind. The same COVID-19 prevention guidelines that have been provided by the government should be observed no matter where you go during local family vacations. International travel is still a no go for now as the country’s borders remain shut.

Barbers, Hairdressers And Beauty Parlours Can Reopen
Barbershops, hair salons and beauty parlours are allowed to resume their business after a near-three-month hiatus, albeit with strict SOPs. However, bear in mind that only basic services such as haircuts, hairwash, facials and manicures can be performed, and customers and employees are to follow strict COVID-19 precautions, focusing on hygiene. The businesses can be open from 8am to 11pm, but customers can only be on the premises between 9am to 10pm. Appointments are encouraged, especially for customers who fall under the vulnerable age groups, namely children and the elderly.

Open Markets, Stalls And Food Trucks Can Operate
Street market-style operations such as pasar terbuka, pasar pagi, pasar malam, pasar tamu and bazaars can be organised, while food courts, hawker centres, food stalls and food trucks are also given the green light. All these are of course to be run in adherence to COVID-19 health and hygiene SOPs, including proper health screening of employees and customers, sanitation processes and social distancing measures.

Houses Of Worship Can Reopen
Following strict social distancing, health and hygiene rules, houses of worship such as mosques and temples are allowed to reopen to public. The number of worshippers at a time are to be governed by the size of the building, and they are not to congregate in tight groups during prayer and at any time while on the premises. They are also encouraged to vacate the premises promptly upon conclusion of religious activities. Those aged under 12 and over 70 are not allowed to attend houses of worship.

Hari Raya Aidiladha dan ibadah korban activities are also allowed, with SOPs of religious authorities in place. 

Certain Sports Can Be Played
With observance of SOPs, some sports and recreational games can be enjoyed. These include team-training activities and non-contact sports such as bowling, archery and badminton. Outdoor group activities such as cycling and riding convoys are allowed too. However, competitions and sports involving masses of supporters or spectators such as those normally held at stadiums and swimming pools are not allowed. Close-contact sports including rugby, wrestling, boxing, football, basketball and hockey are still not okayed as well. 

Other Activities That Are Permitted
Museum visits, indoor busking, self-service laundromats, recreational fishing and film shooting are among the activities that have been allowed to resume. Meetings and workshops are also good to go as long as they follow health protocols and space-optimisation measures.

What’s Still Not Allowed
Pubs, nightclubs, entertainment outlets, massage and reflexology centres, karaoke centres, theme parks, crowded religious parades, feasts, open houses and other activities involving throngs of individuals are among the businesses and activities that are unfortunately still not allowed due to the difficulty in practising COVID-19 prevention SOPs. 

Schools Will Be Resumed
Under advice from the Ministry of Health, schools will be reopened in stages during the RMCO period. The Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently working on the details regarding this matter, with an announcement as soon as today on the cards. Parents will be given an adequate heads up on the reopening timeline and procedures.

[UPDATE: The MOE has announced that secondary schools will reopen on 24 June 2020 for older students who will sit for SPM, SVM, STPM, STAM or equivalent international examinations.]