When news broke that some irresponsible Malaysians have been using shopping malls as their Hari Raya gathering spots, that triggered the Hotspot Identification For Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system to flag several of said malls as hotspots for COVID-19 transmissions.

To further break the pandemic chain, the government has decided to go a step further.

Time limit for grocery shopping

Effective immediately, a shopping time limit will be placed on shoppers during the tightened movement control order (MCO).

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told Malay Mail that shoppers are now only allowed two hours max in retail outlets, and that include shopping malls.

This is part of the new standard operating procedures announced by the government on Sunday (23 May) for the retail and distribution sector.

On top of that, the number of shoppers at retail outlets would be limited to one person per four square metres.


The drastic measures were taken to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, as Malaysia has seen record-breaking spikes the past week.

"This step had to be taken by the government to get a hand on the COVID-19 situation in the country, which has become quite worrisome as the spread among the community is on a high.

"Thus, the government has taken the best step forward in finding the balance between fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring economic longevity, especially the domestic economy," he was quoted by the news site as saying.

Alexander added that a total of 2,262 enforcement officers from the ministry will be mobilised to ensure that the new SOPs will be enforced at all retail outlets in the country.

If any of the retail outlets are identified as a high-risk area by HIDE, they will be instructed to close for three days, Alexander added.

Other changes to SOPs

Besides the shopping time limit, Alexander added that all retail outlets are only allowed to operate between 8am to 8pm under the new SOPs.

Pharmacies and other essential services, however, are allowed to operate from 8am to 10pm.

As for petrol stations, they are allowed to operate between 6am to 8pm (except those located on highways), while morning and wet markets can only operate from 6am to 2pm daily.

Pasar malams are also allowed to operate, from 4pm until 8pm.