He said there were suggestions to only allow those in green areas to be opened and not “at red zones” where a lot of Covid-19 cases have been reported.
He added the details and the standard operating procedures (SOP) were being looked into by the international trade and industry ministry (Miti).
“Miti will consider all the opinions given,” he said, adding that there are application forms to be filled by the operators.
He said the announcement to allow barbers and hair salons to open under the MCO does not mean all can open their shops automatically.
He said some of these applications may be rejected. “The decision will be made by Miti,” he said during a press conference today.
Ismail said Miti will be releasing a statement soon on the matter.
Some barbers had expressed concern over close proximity with customers if they open for business.
The green zone areas include Kampar in Perak, Yam in Kedah, Machang in Kelantan and Hulu Terengganu.
Yesterday, another 1,220 people were detained by police for failing to abide by the MCO, bringing the total to 8,125 arrested since March 18.
Out of the 1,220 arrested, 854 were issued compound fines of RM1,000 each while 345 are under remand. Another 21 have been released on police bail.
Police and the armed forces mounted 783 roadblocks and carried out checks on 435,361 vehicles.
Another 48,123 spot checks were also carried out.
Ismail said 835 Malaysians returned home yesterday and have been placed under mandatory 14-day quarantine, bringing the total number of Malaysians at such centres to 12,359 at present.
He said they included those who came in by land through Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah, Padang Besar in Perlis, and by sea through the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal in Johor, and Sandakan Ferry Terminal in Sabah.
“Mandatory quarantine is also required for those who come in by air,” he added.
So far, 163 quarantine centres have been opened. In total, there are 551 such centres.
Since March 30, 1,413 sanitisation operations have been carried out, including at 987 government buildings, 602 public areas, 599 business centres and 115 supermarkets.
Malaysia had recorded 73 deaths due to Covid-19 until yesterday. A total of 4,530 positive Covid-19 cases have been reported to date in the country.
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