Alcohol factories told to close throughout lockdown period

The government today said that all factories producing alcoholic beverages will have to close throughout the two-week lockdown period.

Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said while factories involved in the production of food and beverages had been given permission to continue operating, this was only for those involved in essential needs.

“Breweries are not included in the category of essential needs,” he said in a statement.

Under the lockdown to continue until June 14, only essential services and sectors given permission by the government are allowed to remain open.

Businesses given the green light to continue operating must close by 8pm.

This came amid a fierce spike in Covid-19 infections which hit a daily high of over 9,000 cases and 98 deaths last week.