Face masks have to be worn, except for when patrons are dancing, eating or drinking, according to SOPs released by the National Security Council (MKN) today.

No capacity limits are mentioned in the SOPs, which outline other measures nightclubs and pubs will have to implement as they reopen for the first time in more than two years.

While health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said last month that all remaining premises within MKN’s negative list – namely, nightclubs and pubs – will be allowed to operate on May 15, the newly released SOPs show that both types of establishments will be allowed to operate from May 14.

Citing industry stakeholders who attended meetings with Khairy, FMT previously reported that dancing would likely not be allowed and there would likely be some form of crowd control.

Crucially, the SOPs released today state that customers must undergo RTK-Antigen tests supervised by a doctor either physically or virtually 24 hours before entering the premises.

Nightclubs and pubs can conduct RTK-Antigen tests on customers before they are allowed to enter the premises if the patrons have not conducted prior tests.

Owners also have to ensure that their customers test negative for Covid-19 and their test results are up to date. Those who do not fulfil both criteria should not be allowed to enter the premises.

Nightclubs and pubs must have good ventilation and indoor air quality in accordance with the occupational safety and health department’s guidelines.

MKN, however, noted that the SOPs were drawn up after taking into consideration the high risk of Covid-19 transmission at nightclubs and pubs as they are mostly enclosed spaces which have inadequate ventilation.

It said it would be hard to implement physical distancing and the wearing of face masks at such premises.