Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on September 14 that more economic sectors will be allowed to reopen as the COVID-19 lockdown is no longer feasible amid fears that it can have more negative implications.

The reopening of the sectors would give the people of Malaysia the opportunity to improve their livelihoods. (Photo: Reuters)

"The reopening of 11 economic sectors in states under phase one of the National Recovery Plan was appropriate due to the high vaccination rates in the states," he said.

Those eligible for reopening are car wash services; electronics supermarkets; homeware and kitchenware stores; furniture stores; sporting goods stores; car accessories stores; automobile sales and distribution centres; morning markets and farm produce markets; clothing, fashion and accessory stores; goldsmith shops; barbers; as well as beauty centres and hair salons.

The PM said the reopening of the sectors would not only help speed up economic recovery but also give the people the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

"The government made the decision after taking into consideration data from the risk assessments conducted by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry," he said.

He also said that 74.7 percent of Malaysia's adult population has been fully vaccinated, while 91.6 percent has received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The leader noted that these sectors must comply with strict regulations and requirements such as mandatory wearing of masks in public places and presenting a certificate of vaccination for 14 days.

Source: VNA