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Writer's pictureFion Wong

May the 4th Be With You (Part 2): What You Should Know About the Retails & F&B Sectors

Updated: May 30, 2021

[Updated as of May, 4th 2020]


The Part 2 of 'May the 4th' discussed on the Retail Sectors in consequence of the SOP implemented to lift the MCO partially, also known as Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Bersyarak (PKPB). If you have not read how the SOP affects traveling in public transportation and e-hailing, click here.



This would mean that from May the 4th onwards, restaurants and most of the retailers which do not fall under the essential services like a shopping mall, departmental store, boutiques & pet shop would be able to operate their businesses together with the supermarket, pharmacy, and mini-mart. Refer to the FAQs below.


Are all retailers allowed to operate their business from the 4th of May onwards?

No. Only retailers such as shopping malls, supermarkets, departmental stores, pharmacy, boutique, mini-mart, laundry shops, furniture stores, gold & jewelry retailers, electric and electronic, stationery, hardware, pet food store, workshop, vehicle accessories & maintenance, optical, and petrol stations. All retailers and business sectors (except for essential services) in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Sabah would not be allowed to operate until 12.5.2020, while Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Sarawak, Kedah, and Kelantan will be reviewing the implications and decisions will be made by this week.


What about hair & beauty saloons?

No, retailers for hair & beauty falls under the restriction.


Are there any activities restricted for the retailers who are allowed to operate their business?

Yes. Retailers are not allowed to conduct any activities related to exhibitions, carnival sales, and bazaars. Patron must take note that even if boutiques and departmental stores are allowed to operate, clothes fitting are not allowed.


What is the operation hours for retailers and restaurants?

Operation Hours should be differentiated with Customer/Consumer Presence Hour. Operation hours (OH) referred to the period of time whereby employees may work while customer presence hour (CPH) refers to the period of time whereby the service can be rendered to the customers.


  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of a shopping mall, supermarket, departmental store, pharmacies, boutique, mini-mart would be from 8 am till 11 pm while the CPH is from 10 am to 10 pm.

  • The OH for laundry shops would be from 8 am till 10 pm while the CPH is from 9 am to 10 pm.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of clothing & fashion accessories stores/boutiques would be from 8 am till 10 pm while the CPH is from 9 am to 10 pm.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of restaurants would be from 6 am till 11 pm while the CPH is from 7 am to 10 pm.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of furniture stores, gold & jewelry retailers, electric and electronic, stationery, hardware, pet food store would be from 9 am till 9 pm while the CPH is from 10 am to 8 pm.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of workshops, maintenance, and accessories for vehicles, would be from 7 am till 10 pm while the CPH is from 8 am to 9 pm.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of an optical store would be from 9 am till 9 pm while the CPH is from 10 am to 8 pm.

  • The OH & CPH for retailers that fall into the category of petrol stations would be determined by the local authorities.

  • The OH for retailers that fall into the category of restaurants, (in a premise and outside a premise) would be from 5 am till 12 pm while the CPH is from 7 am till 10 pm. Restaurants include food courts, food stalls, kiosk, hawkers or temporary hawkers

Is it mandatory to wear a face mask when I visit the retailers?

It is only mandatory to wear a face mask when you are visiting a shopping mall, supermarket, departmental stores, pharmacy, boutique, and mini-mart.


Is there any requirement for social distancing when I am visiting the retailers?

Yes. All patrons shall be supervised by a person in charge of the retailers to ensure social distancing of 1 meter. Hence there is a limit as to the total number of patrons who can enter the premise of the retailers, depending on the size of the store/shop.

What about restaurants? Are there any requirements for social distancing?

Yes. All dine-in patrons are required to keep a distance of 1 meter and it is necessary to limit the number of people in the restaurants. The tables must be arranged to allow 2 meters of spaces with a maximum of 4 diners on a table.


Are clubs or any entertainment places fall under the category of the restaurant?

No. All places of entertainment and leisure do not fall under the category of restaurant and are listed as prohibitive sectors:-

  • Cinema

  • Karaoke Entertainment

  • Amusement Theme Park

  • Museum

  • Busking

  • Entertainment Centre (businesses with Entertainment License)

  • Night Clubs


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