Approval For Sabah Night Markets Up To Respective Local Authorities Cny Open Night Market Banned

---

 
Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun says based on the new SOP during the MCO period, the state government allows night markets to operate from 4pm to 10pm. - Pic courtesy of Sabah Local Government and Housing MinistryKOTA KINABALU: It is the respective local authorities' prerogative whether to allow night markets to operate.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said, based on the updated standard operating procedures (SOP) during the Movement Control Order (MCO), the state government allows night markets to operate from 4pm to 10pm.
"Approval for night markets is based on risk assessment from the local government. The SOP for night markets is to have one entry point and one exit point. It is up to the local authority whether they can control it (the crowd)," he said during a virtual press conference.
However, there is a ban on the Chinese New Year open night market, scheduled for Feb 10, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Masidi, who is also state local government and housing minister, added that the federal government would announce more good news on the Chinese New Year SOP soon.
However, he reminded the people not to be complacent as breaching the necessary precautions will lead to a spike of Covid-19 cases in Sabah.
On the number of cases in the state, which showed a downward trend this week, Masidi said he hoped the people of Sabah would continue to work together to bring down the numbers.
As for economic sectors, he said the state government would continue to assess the situation before proposing to lift bans on certain sectors.
Meanwhile, Masidi reminded employers to ensure their foreign workers underwent Covid-19 screening.
"The Sabah government is working with the federal government in implementing regularisation and recalibrations to manage and coordinate immigrants in Sabah to get valid working passes.
"The conditions include that they have to have their own passports, they must be from countries that allow them to work in Sabah, and other criteria set by the Immigration Department." - NST

---