More Economic Sectors Expected to Open as Klang Valley Gears Up for Phase 2 of NRP

With over 97% of Klang Valley’s adult population fully vaccinated as of Monday (Sept 6), more economic sectors are expected to open in the near future as the region gears up for Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had on Aug 30 hinted that the Klang Valley can now move into Phase 2, as its Covid-19 vaccination rate has surpassed the 80% mark.

However, he said the matter will be finalised in the Special Committee to Address Covid-19 meeting with the Cabinet, which he will be chairing.

On Tuesday, Ismail Sabri announced that cinemas in states that are in Phase 1 of the NRP will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity beginning Thursday (Sept 9), with only those who have completed their Covid-19 vaccination allowed to enter the halls.

In a statement, the prime minister said live performance activities such as theatre, musicals, music and comedy shows (pre-registered) will also be allowed to resume at 30% capacity of the premises, comprising fully vaccinated individuals.

He shared that the relaxation also involves the development and broadcasting of creative content through recordings or live broadcasts.

“This decision is among the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate the economic viability of artistes and the creative industry," Ismail Sabri said.

The prime minister said the relaxation was made based on the decision by the Covid-19 Pandemic Management Special Committee on Tuesday, which also allowed live or recorded shows in the presence of a fully vaccinated audience filling only about 30% of the studio space.

"Creative industry filming inside and outside the studio [is open] to fully vaccinated individuals; indoor busking to fully vaccinated individuals, and performances in hotel lounges are also allowed for fully vaccinated individuals," he said.

Malaysia reported 18,547 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday. In the Klang Valley, Selangor recorded 2,407 cases, Kuala Lumpur 631 cases and Putrajaya 22 cases.

Official data also showed that 49.3% of Malaysia’s total population had been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of Monday, as the number of daily vaccine doses administered rose to 313,751 from 289,958 a day earlier.

The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force said that cumulatively, 36.75 million vaccine doses had been administered across the nation as of Monday. It said 20.68 million individuals or 63.3% of the population had received at least one shot, including 16.11 million people or 49.3% who have been fully inoculated.

Source: The Edge Markets