MPs call for extension of restaurant operating hours

A group of opposition MPs today urged the government to amend the SOPs for eateries, allowing them to remain open according to the hours stated in their operating licence instead of closing at 8pm.

They said the current arrangement under the movement control order (MCO) directive which came into effect in several states last week places a burden on those who need to buy food after work.

They also said that allowing eateries to remain open according to their licensed hours would help revive economic activities for vendors, generate income for food deliverymen and encourage the people to remain at home as the hours for ordering food would no longer be capped at 8pm.

“This is in light of the fact that dining in at restaurants is not allowed, and food can only be ordered for takeaway, or through drive-thru or home delivery,” they said in a statement.

The MCO took effect in Penang, Selangor, the federal territories, Melaka, Johor and Sabah on Jan 13.

Kelantan meanwhile came under MCO on Jan 16.

The MPs urged the National Security Council to review the SOP for closing hours, saying it affects traders who depend on their daily income.

“We also urge the government to extend the moratorium for at least six more months,” they said.

“Traders might be worse off this time compared to the initial MCO as they must pay rent as well as their workers without the moratorium given before.”

The full list of MPs who signed the statement are as follows:

1. Darell Leiking (Penampang)
2. Syed Saddiq (Muar)
3. Mohd Azis Jamman (Sepanggar)
4. Hannah Yeoh (Segambut)
5. Yeo Bee Yin (Bakri)
6. Baru Bian (Selangau)
7. Sivarasa Rasiah (Sungai Buloh)
8. Salahuddin Ayub (Pulai)
9. Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu)
10. Teo Nie Ching (Kulai)
11. Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud)
12. Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena)
13. Khalid Samad (Shah Alam)
14. Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam)
15. Maria Chin (Petaling Jaya)
16. Wong Shu Qi (Kluang)
17. Teresa Kok (Seputeh)
18. Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor)
19. Dr Lee Boon Chye (Gopeng)
20. Kasthuriraani Patto (Batu Kawan)
21. Nor Azrina Surip @ Nurin Aina (Merbok)