FMT had reported earlier today that the decision had been expected and coincides with an auspicious date.

Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the state had achieved three thresholds for moving into the next phase. These were:

• average daily infection of 9.5 cases per 100 thousand, which is below the threshold of 12.2 cases per 100 thousand;
• ICU ward bed usage at a moderate level, with adequate capacity to respond; and
• a state vaccination rate of 10.1% of the adult population who have completed two vaccine doses, which is above the 10% threshold.

Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak and Perlis had all moved into Phase Two of the national recovery plan today.

After the announcement, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said this evening he would ensure that movement control rules are followed so that Penang could remain in the current phase and do better to aid it towards the third phase of the national recovery plan.

“To get into Phase Three, we need to take the right approaches, so as to open up more sectors and aid Penang in its overall recovery from the impact of the pandemic,” he said in a statement.

What’s allowed under Phase Two

Phase Two of the national recovery plan allows more economic sectors and businesses to be reopened.

Dining-in remains barred and restaurants, coffee-shops and related businesses can only offer takeaway meals and delivery services from 6am to 10pm.

All individual sports and recreation activities that do not involve physical contact will be allowed.

Retail businesses now allowed to open include bookshops and stationery shops, those dealing in electrical goods, computer and telecommunications products and services, car washes and barber shops (basic services only).

Markets will be allowed to operate from 7am to 11am and are limited to selling vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, seafood and meat.

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