Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the housing and local government ministry has written to state governments, informing them of the ministry’s instructions to local authorities.

Ismail said tougher action which could be taken against pub and nightclub operators, included the cancellation of their operating licenses. They could also be blacklisted.

He added that despite the restrictions on pub and nightclub activities, which fall under the Covid-19 “negative list”, many were still being arrested for engaging in these activities.

He said on Jan 1, a total of 623 people were arrested at nightclubs and pubs across the country.

“The authorities will continue to step up checks and take action against business owners and members of the public who do not abide by the SOPs.”

Separately, Ismail said 152 people were arrested yesterday for flouting Covid-19 SOPs, mainly for not wearing face masks. All of them were issued compounds.

On the screening of foreign workers in six states for Covid-19, Ismail said to date, 99,163 workers have been screened, with 2,079 testing positive.

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