Responding to members of the public questioning why the shop in Starhill Gallery was allowed to open, it said Louis Vuitton had its own e-commerce platform and had applied to operate through the government’s Covid-19 intelligent management system (CIMS).

In several Twitter posts, it added that e-commerce included both essential and non-essential goods under the National Security Council’s (MKN) SOP.

According to the ministry, the sale of non-essential goods via e-commerce was allowed as it still discourages the movement of people.

“Customers will browse LV products online and place their orders online as well. Nobody is allowed to walk into the store except for the delivery men who pick up the merchandise ordered by customers.

“The letter already stated e-commerce. There are a number of e-commerce applications received and processed by the ministry, from both big and small retailers,” it said.

The ministry said it had so far approved 4,760 out of 5,384 applications to operate under the e-commerce category, adding that this comprised both local and foreign brands.

“MKN’s SOP states that online businesses can operate and provide both essential and non-essential goods and services.”

E-commerce is one of the business services listed as essential during the lockdown by the government.

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