In a statement, the state security committee said all food outlets, including drive-throughs and those at petrol stations, would only operate from 7am to 7pm.

“This includes 24-hour convenience stores,” it said, adding that only businesses and premises on the essential services list would be allowed to continue operating.

This directive will remain in effect until March 31, or when the MCO ends.

On March 21, Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Melaka tightened the business hours of retailers and certain business premises in accordance with restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.

Selangor ordered 24-hour shops and eateries to close from 12am to 6am from March 22 and food trucks, morning and night markets, laundries and car wash outlets to be closed until March 31.

Wet markets are allowed to operate from 5am to 6pm, while supermarkets may operate only the food and grocery sections.

Kelantan, Terengganu and Melaka meanwhile announced daylight hours only for sundry shops and 24-hour convenience stores.

In Kota Bahru, markets are allowed to operate from 7am-2pm, while other premises can operate from 7am-7pm.

This involves limited food outlets, delivery, drive-through and take-away services as well as supermarkets, sundry shops, 24-hour convenience stores, petrol stations, clinics and pharmacies.

The Kuala Terengganu city council has ordered similar hours, with motor repair and service centres allowed to operate from 9am-2pm; clinics from 7am-9.30pm; and the Gong Pauh wholesale market from 3am-9am.

Sarawak has also limited business operation hours from 7am to 7pm.

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