Business events allowed in S’wak during CMCO

KUCHING: Business events including those involving meetings, conventions and exhibitions are allowed to be held during the current Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period in Sarawak, according to the latest set of standard operating procedures (SOP) released by the National Security Council (NSC) yesterday.

However, the maximum number of attendees to such events is set at 50 per cent of the full capacity of the hosting venue, or only 200 people – whichever is lower.

“All those attending must wear face masks, maintain proper physical distancing (at least 1m) and other guidelines under the CMCO’s SOP for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions,” said the council.

It said the same SOP would also apply to tourism and cultural activities held at tourist attractions such as zoos, farms, aquarium and marine exhibition centres, ‘edutainment’ centres, recreational parks, extreme/adventure/nature parks, as well as theme parks and family parks.

“The SOP also applies to tourism, arts and cultural activities at premises showcasing artistic, cultural and heritage products and items such as museums, libraries and archives, art galleries, cultural and heritage centres, and cultural performance stages. “Places and activities not included in this list are subject to existing CMCO’s SOP outlined for the tourism, arts and cultural sector,” it said.

On the SOP for meetings, NSC said face-to-face sessions for official functions or work at offices, hotels or other institutions would be permitted – wearing face masks and maintaining adequate physical distancing between one attended and another would be mandatory.

“The number of attendees must not exceed 50 per cent of the premises’ capacity or only 200 people – whichever is lower.

“This requirement also applies to all seminars, workshops, courses, training sessions, conferences, and lectures conducted either by the public or the private sector, as official events.

“However, any training-inservice that is on-going is allowed, but only within the institution’s training area.

“For hosting of official and unofficial events by the public or the private sector, it covers social events such as ‘kenduri’ (special gatherings), engagement and wedding events, receptions, ‘aqiqah’ (blessing for children), ‘tahlil’ (remembrance of those departed), ‘doa selamat’ (session to seek blessing and also to give thanks), birthdays and anniversaries, reunions, retreats, and other relevant functions.

“For these events, the same SOP for attendees (not exceeding 50 per cent of hosting venue’s guest capacity or 200 people – whichever is lower) applies,” said NSC.

The SOP for CMCO in Sarawak can be accessed via www.mkn.gov. my.