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CMCO

No dining-in at highway R&Rs but you can pre-order to minimize interaction

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

Various versions of the Movement Control Order (MCO) are in effect with interstate and interdistrict travel being forbidden unless permission is given by the police. As there will still be many people permitted to travel long distances on highways, PLUS is ensuring that their needs are met safely when they are at the rest and service areas (R&R).

Last year, the first MCO saw all R&Rs shut down completely but this time round, many of the stalls are permitted to continue business, especially those which provide fresh food, drinks and snacks. PLUS urges the public to patronize these R&R businesses as the support will go a long way to enable the local business owners and their workers to sustain their livelihood during this period.

*Dine-in is not permitted at the food courts, and to minimize interaction, food or drinks can be pre-ordered using the PLUS app.*

More than 600 businesses operating
More than 600 businesses are open at the R&Rs at Dengkil (both sides), Rawang (Northbound), Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant, Seremban (both sides), Ulu Bernam (Southbound), Tapah (Southbound), Gunung Semanggol (both sides), Gurun (both sides), Juru Lay-by (Southbound), Pagoh (both sides), Machap (both sides), Kulai Lay-by (Southbound) and 3 R&Rs along the LPT2 highway to the East Coast. The three are at Ajil (Northbound), Paka (Northbound) and Perasing (Southbound).

Everyone has to observe the SOPs – temperature scanning, use of facemask, contact registration and social distancing – and for safety, PLUS has included a Pre-Order function in the PLUS App for contactless ordering, or through this link – or through orderdisini.plus.com.my/. They should keep a safe distance of at least 1 metre apart when lining up for food or when using any facilities.

Dine-in only allowed in CMCO areas
All businesses at R&Rs and lay-bys which are located in MCO states are still open from 6 am to 12 am for take-away only as the dining areas at the food courts are closed to prevent the convergence of crowds. For CMCO states, however, operating hours are from 6 am to 12 am and dine-in is allowed with strict physical distancing and compliance to the SOPs.

PLUS PUTRI — *PUTRI can provide answers to common questions faster, instead of waiting for someone from the Call Centre.*

Latest information on everything related to PLUS highways and facilities can be found at www.plus.com.my, with the PUTRI chatbot making interaction faster and easier.

Increased traffic on highways expected with easing of CMCO conditions

The country is still under various levels of the Movement Control Order (MCO) since it was introduced in March this year as a way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, over the year, as the situation has changed, the conditions of the MCO have been varied and right now, with interstate travel being permitted again (except through Red Zones), many more vehicles are on the highways.

PLUS Malaysia Berhad expects a big increase in traffic volume on its highways over the next few days, especially as today is a holiday in Selangor (Sultan’s birthday). As the Klang Valley has the biggest vehicle population, it is expected that many may take the opportunity to travel to see relatives in kampungs, or just go on a long-missed holiday.

Plan your route, get help from PUTRI
The high volume of traffic may not be like the festive season periods but nevertheless, PLUS advises motorists to plan their journeys before departing. To do journey planning, they can check live highway CCTV feeds and consult PUTRI, a real-time customer texting interface to assist with any enquiries & feedback. Alternatively, they can also call the PLUSLINE 1-800-88-0000 or send an e-mail with their enquiry or feedback to customerfeedback@plus.com.my.

The concessionaire is prepared for the increased traffic but also hopes that motorists will cooperate by ensuring their Touch‘NGo cards and e-Wallets are sufficiently reloaded to minimize disruptions and need for physical interactions. There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to help highway customers reload their cards early.

RFID for quicker passage
For those travelling northwards, PLUS recommends that they set the auto-reload on their e-Wallets to facilitate a new, contactless experience via RFID, currently available as part of public pilot at the Sungai Dua – Hutan Kampung stretch of PLUS (in the northern region) as well as all Open System toll plazas nationwide.

Remember the SOPs
While there is freedom to travel longer distances and across borders, the Standard Operating Procedures must still be followed, meaning social distancing, use of facemasks, temperature checks and washing hands, among others. You would also be required to register in a record book or scan a QR code.

“PLUS is taking all necessary precautions to ensure our customers’ safety, comfort & convenience including at the Rest & Service Areas (R&R). I would like to appeal to all our customers to support PLUS’ efforts in ensuring compliance with all health and safety procedures throughout their journey by wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing and practicing good personal hygiene. In order to promote safe physical distancing, we also recommend our customers to pre-order food and drinks using the PLUS mobile app,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.

*Drive cautiously in rainy weather and have your lights on.*

He also reminded motorists to be cautious and to practice safe driving at all times, especially as this is the season of rainy weather throughout the country. Having a bigger gap between vehicles and switching on headlights is recommended.

Interstate travel permitted, no limit on number of occupants in vehicle

Much of the Klang Valley (Selangor and WP Kuala Lumpur) will continue to be under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) which has been in force since October 14. Penang can resume its Recovery MCO (RMCO, except for the sub-districts of Barat Daya and Timur Laut which will be under CMCO until December 20. Other states and regions will have varying levels of MCO depending on the number of cases.

PDRM Roadblock — *There will no longer be roadblocks but the police will be checking on SOP compliance.*

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Council, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that, from Monday December 7, there will be no roadblocks at state borders as the public can travel between states.

The number of passengers in vehicles will also not be limited to two or three but depend on the permissible seating capacity of the vehicle. A 7-seater can therefore have 7 people on board and will not be stopped by the police. This should be a relief for those with big families who wish to go out together although restrictions are still in force at restaurants with regard to the number of people at a table.

*The number of occupants in a vehicle can be up to the maximum number permitted for the vehicle type.*

What is important is to practice social distancing and not gather in groups, and to wear a face mask when in public areas. You should also make it a point to use hand sanitizer frequently and wash your hands with soap and water as well. Do make it a point to have your temperature checked, and scan the QR code or provide your contact details at shops or other places as this is important information in case contact tracing is necessary. You would want to know of a possible case at a place that you had visited, wouldn’t you?

3 persons in the car now allowed within CMCO areas

Motorists who have been unhappy about the ruling allowing only 2 persons per car – from the same household – will be pleased to know that the allowance is now increased to 3 persons within CMCO (Conditional Movement Control Order) areas. This was announced today by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during the daily briefing.

The minister said that the increase was in response to requests from the public, taking into consideration various issues. These include the matter of where passengers sit, and the minister clarified that they need not sit at the back only. Also, it was confirmed earlier that use of a facemask inside the car while driving is not a must. The ruling is with immediate effect.

More possible – up to police to decide
With this revised ruling, motorists should face less issues at roadblocks and the minister added that the police still have the discretion to allow more people to travel together. It will depend on the circumstances, one example being the need for an extra person, besides the driver, accompanying to assist an aged parent who has to go to a hospital or clinic. Another example would be a wife with a small baby having to go to a clinic and she cannot drive, so the husband has to be the driver.

*Same occupancy conditions as for taxis and e-hailing vehicles.*

With 3 persons – including the driver – allowed in the vehicle, it would be the same as the ruling for taxis and e-hailing vehicles. Many had questioned why three persons could be allowed in these vehicles but not in private vehicles, especially when those in private vehicles had to be from the same household where they are together.

Of course, there will still be people who argue on that point – that if a big family lives together in the same house, and in close proximity, why should they not be allowed to go out together in the same vehicle (if it is rated for more than 4 or 5 persons, eg a MPV or large SUV)?

Why is there a restriction?
The thing about the CMCO is to limit movement in public as a measure to prevent spread of COVID-19. Actually, people should not be thinking of ‘going out to eat’ and to instead collect food and bring home, or order using a food delivery service. The provision to travel is primarily to get food or other essential items, not for social outings. At least we can do that – in some other countries, the restrictions have been so severe that people were not allowed out at all.

Remember when only one was allowed
Be glad that the authorities are not as strict as when the MCO was in force in March and just one person from a household could go out. Many husbands had to learn how to shop at the supermarket and for some people like single mothers with small children, it was a difficult time. Then as the threat diminished, two persons were allowed and then more, up to the maximum permissible for the vehicle type.

Each of us has to do our part to help to bring the number back down. Today, they are in 4 figures and if we remain indifferent to the situation, things are not going to get better and 2021 will continue to be a struggle for many individuals and businesses.

Register with MySejahtera before refuelling! Additional SOP?

UPDATE: According to a report by Free Malaysia Today which contacted the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), there is no need to register with MySejahtera during ‘brief encounters’ such as pumping fuel, unless the motorist enters the store to make payment.

If you’re refuelling your vehicle today, it’s advisable to walk over to the station store to scan the MySejahtera QR code with your mobilephone (or register as per SOP). This could save you RM1,000 in case a policeman comes by and checks and you cannot show that you have registered.

Sounds ridiculous? Motorists around the country think so, especially when this ‘new’ SOP has been announced out of the blue when it was never ever said to be required in the 237 days that the country has been under a Movement Control Order of one level or another.

Never mentioned before
It is not something that the Ministry of Health or the National Security Council (MKN) has mentioned either. In fact, it only came to light in a report in The Maiay Mail, quoting a report in The China Press. The report said that the requirement was confirmed by Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deputy director, DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid.

The reason for the requirement which he gave? So that if there were cases of COVID-19 in the area [around the petrol station], the police could carry out contact tracing with the data collected by the app. He explained that if people did not register when they were pumping fuel, the police would be unable to trace them when required. In that case, we may also have to register just going to a postbox to mail a letter (not that many people do that nowadays).

There has already been at least once case, based on the China Press report, where a person was apparently given a summons for not registering while he pumped fuel, and the standard fine is RM1,000.

MKN people not clear either
At this time, it seems there is no clarity in the matter. A reporter at Sin Chew Daily contacted the MKN and got conflicting answers, so it seems that this SOP needs to be clarified quickly as thousands of motorists and motorcyclists refuel daily. Furthermore, the Bukit Aman officer said face masks must be work even when pumping fuel although earlier, another police officer said it is not necessary as the fuel pump is not a crowded area. DCP Datuk Mior, however, classifies it as a public area and therefore a face mask is required – even though the next person may be 10 metres away.

*MySejahtera app can be downloaded at the Google and Apple app stores.*

If the MKN confirms the police interpretation, then station operators may put the QR codes on the pumps for the convenience of customers. After all, why make them walk all the way to the store – and risk coming in contact with others along the way – just to scan for registration?

Abide by one law, break another
But then comes a second problem: in order to abide by the law on registering, you must break another law! That law concerns use of mobilephones at the pumps, which is forbidden for safety reasons. So you may save yourself RM1,000 but then get nailed for being caught using the phone!

Most Malaysians are well aware of the need to stop the spread of the coronavirus and observe the SOPs which are generally reasonable. However, this one about registering when pumping fuel is illogical and unnecessary and hopefully, we’ll hear from Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob at the daily MKN briefing today that it is a ‘misunderstanding’ (which would save face those who make their own interpretations).

9th Art of Speed Malaysia date postponed till end of December 2020

With the rising number of COVID-19 cases and now the imposition of CMCO in the Klang Valley for 2 weeks, companies and event organisers are reviewing their activities in the next few months. One of them is Art of Speed Malaysia (AOS) which had an event planned for November 12, 2020 at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

With the CMCO in operation, the organisers have decided to postpone the 9th Annual Art of Speed Malaysia event to run from December 30 until January 3, 2021. The venue will remain at the 1Utama Shopping Centre as the AOS people are satisfied that ‘the shopping centre’s proactive actions and readiness to host the event have been exemplary’.

The date for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Malaysia Virtual Finals will remain unchanged on November 12, 2020 as it is essentially an online event. The jury will consist of judges from Malaysia and the USA and judging will be done LIVE online, with the winner being announced on the same day.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have been working behind the scenes with various parties to ensure our decisions are for the best interest of all involved especially with regards to health and safety. We can only pray that this new wave will soon subside, and we can continue with our plans to support the various communities and industries that contribute so much to the socio economic fabric of Malaysia,” the organisers said.

Malaysia is first stop in Asia for 2020 Hot Wheels Legends Tour

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia informs customers of Star Shield programme during CMCO

With a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) now in force in Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and Sabah, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia informs the public of the following measures with Mercedes-Benz Star Shield from October 14 to October 27, 2020.

The Star Shield Programme
The Mercedes-Benz Star Shield programme is a safety protocol for Mercedes-Benz dealers and customers. It consists of a comprehensive safety plan that includes social distancing, provision of masks and hand sanitizers, cleaning and sanitization of showroom cars and common areas, temperature checks and limit on customers present.

During this CMCO period, all authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide will remain open for business as usual. They will, however, strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the government for the protection of customers as well as their own employees.

Customers can still request for test-drives, while owners can bring their vehicles in for routine service and maintenance and/or repairs at service centres. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been observed for some months continue to apply.

24-hour support service
Customers can still obtain 24-Hour Roadside Assistance for emergency breakdowns and technical issues. They can call 1-800-88-1133 at any time of the day for support.

In order to minimize social contact, the Mercedes-Benz Star Shield also includes initiatives such as the Drop & Go, Door-to-door and Express Service.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz.

Interstate travel allowed from Wednesday as CMCO ends

Finally, the restriction on interstate travel will end on June 9, coinciding with the ending of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) as scheduled. Announcing this today, the Prime Minister said that travel restrictions would only apply to areas which are under an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO). These would be places which have a high number of COVID-19 cases and the authorities need to prevent further spread by limiting movement in and out of the areas.

From June 10 (Wednesday), the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will replace the CMCO and Malaysians will be able to carry out almost all activities – including having their hair cut. Most economic sectors have been allowed to resume operations, along with the lifting of restrictions on most social, educational and religious activities (some in phases). The RMCO will run till August 31, 2020.

However, the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, which gives legal power to enforce necessary actions remains in effect. It was gazetted on March 18 when the MCO started and provides for penalties for offences committed as well as the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures.

ROADBLOCK — *During the initial period of the MCO, roadblocks were set up around cities and towns to strictly enforce the movement restrictions.*

As the situation showed signs of improving, some restrictions ended or were modified although interstate travel remained prohibited except for 4 days when those trapped in other towns when the MCO started were permitted to travel back to their places of residence.

Balik kampung for Hari Raya was prohibited
The prohibition on interstate travel was particularly frustrating as it was on during the Hari Raya festive period. The government made a firm decision to not allow the usual ‘balik kampung’ journeys and while most Malaysians complied, there were many who tried to sneak across borders. They were unwilling to understand that the prohibition was to prevent spread of the coronavirus, which some may have been infected with without knowing it.

Karak Highway — *Those who have missed their Sunday drives around the countryside can do so again without being stopped at roadblocks.*

The freedom to drive anywhere in Malaysia again will certainly be welcome, especially for those who have missed their usual Sunday drives through the countryside. Perhaps this episode should also make us appreciate the freedom we have to do things which we enjoy, in safety. In some countries where there are wars, movements are limited and we have had a short experience of such a condition. Hopefully, we don’t have to go through it again.

Risk is less but threat remains
Meanwhile, the RCMO signals another phase towards normalizing life in Malaysia but it does not mean the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus is gone. It is lessened but the risks are still there with 1,531 active cases. Failure to continue observing the recommended practices such as social distancing (minimum of 1 metre apart), washing hands frequently and using facemasks in crowded areas can result in transmission of the coronavirus. Anyone can be infected but it is the older folks who are at higher risk, as well as those already having certain health problems. COVID-19 is very vicious and those who are weak or with weak immune systems won’t be able to fight against it to recover.

As we move out of the CMCO, PISTON.MY would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the frontliners, especially those at hospitals, who have put themselves at risk in trying to help and treat infected patients. Let’s not waste their efforts and sacrifices. Now the responsibility to prevent a return of the pandemic in Malaysia is for all of us to take on and we should not become complacent.

Interstate travel permitted for certain groups from Monday

Interstate travel restrictions will be eased from June 1, 2020 although the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) remains active. There had been a ban when the Movement Control Order MCO) started in March, and in the period leading to Hari Raya, the prohibition was strictly enforced. Balik kampung journeys were not permitted as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Today, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, spokesman for the National Security Council, said that interstate travel can be allowed for emergency cases as well as for spouses to visit their other halves who may be in another state. The latter was already mentioned by the Prime Minister earlier.

Additionally, those who work in another state can also cross borders but in all cases, police approval must first be obtained. “Interstate travel is not allowed unless it is for emergencies such as deaths or for medical reasons. We also allow those who need to travel between states for work. For instance, if you live in Seremban but work in Putrajaya,” he said.

During the CMCO prohibition on interstate travel, the police have set up 147 roadblocks nationwide to check on vehicles. Over 240,000 drivers were queried and those without valid reasons were made to turn around. In some cases, summonses were also issued for not complying with the CMCO, for which there is a fine of RM1,000 and possible jail term of 6 months.

The police have also been looking out for those who crossed borders without permission during the Hari Raya period and are now trying to return home. Roadblocks have been set up even on rural roads and many motorists have been caught trying to sneak through.

On another note, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health has said that use of facemasks is recommended when in crowded places. However, when travelling alone in the car, it is unnecessary to wear the facemask.

Although things seem like they are back to ‘normal’, the CMCO is still active and people are expected to remain at home as much as possible. Gatherings and visiting friends are still not permitted and as you will probably have already experienced, social distancing is now a requirement at public outlets. The authorities urge those who dine at restaurants to complete their meal as soon as they can and depart, rather than stay on at the table to chat.

CMCO: Restriction on number of occupants in vehicles will no longer apply from tomorrow

It’s been almost 70 days that Malaysia has had the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has restricted movements besides other activities nationwide. In the earliest days, the conditions were very strict and while it was permitted to travel out of the home for the purpose of buying food or essential items, or seeking medical attention, only one person was allowed in the vehicle (except in emergency cases).

The concern then was about the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and the measure was necessary to stop transmission. Roadblocks were set up to check on vehicles and many people got into trouble for not following that order. It presented some problems for some families where the wife – who usually did the shopping – might not know how to drive so husbands had to learn how to find things at supermarkets!

By the end of April, the conditions were relaxed a bit (although a 10-km limit was set for the distance of travel), and two persons were allowed in the vehicle. They had to be family members and living in the same household. This made sense since they were already staying together.

Within a short time, up to 4 persons were allowed to travel together in the vehicle and again, the condition was that they must be family members living in the same household. For taxis, however, the number of passengers was still restricted to two persons.

With things improving – as evident by declining numbers – the government began easing restrictions and even allowing businesses to resume operations. Today, it has been announced that the 4-people-per-vehicle ruling will be removed with effect from tomorrow (Wednesday May 27). Vehicles can now carry as many as permitted so those with MPVs can now take the whole family out. Yes, that condition remains – they must all be family members from the same household.

CMCO is still on

Many people don’t realize that the MCO – now Conditional Movement Control Order or CMCO – is still active. Though life seems ‘normal’, people are still required to remain at home unless they must go to work or do essential shopping. Cruising around town to ‘makan angin’ is actually not permitted and gatherings are also forbidden.

For this reason, the authorities were very firm on the conditions for the Hari Raya holiday period. Apart from prohibiting interstate travel, which meant no ‘balik kampung’ journeys. Visits were only allowed on the first day of Hari Raya and the traditional Open House was discouraged. For those who had to have it, they could only have up to 20 people in their home at any one time – and that number was dependent on the size of the home because of social distancing requirements.