What is the official stance on restaurants within bars during MCO?

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Conflicting National Security Council Stances on Restaurants Within Bars During MCO

There is conflicting information from the National Security Council (NSC) regarding the operation of restaurants within entertainment outlets such as bars and pubs during the movement control order (MCO). An initial NSC social media announcement stated these establishments are prohibited, but the official NSC website's latest SOPs, dated February 4, permit their operation. Neither the government nor the NSC has provided a statement to clarify this discrepancy.
Initial Prohibition Announced

The National Security Council initially announced via a Facebook posting that restaurants situated within entertainment venues like bars and pubs were to be prohibited throughout the duration of the MCO. This announcement indicated a clear restriction on such operations, aligning with broader measures to curb potential COVID-19 transmission.
Website SOPs Allow Operations

However, a review of the official National Security Council website revealed a contradictory set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) dated February 4. This updated list permits restaurants operating within pubs and bars to function. These establishments are categorised alongside other food and beverage service providers, including food stalls, food trucks, hawker centres, and kiosks.
Operational Guidelines for Permitted Establishments

For those restaurants within entertainment outlets that are permitted to operate, the guidelines mirror those for other food service establishments. They are allowed to open daily from 6am to 10pm, with operations limited to takeaways and delivery services. Dining in remains prohibited across all establishments under the current MCO restrictions.
Lack of Official Clarification

As of the reporting period, neither the government nor the National Security Council had issued any official statement to address the abrupt reversal or contradiction in the SOPs. This lack of clarification leaves ambiguity for businesses and the public regarding the precise regulations that should be followed concerning restaurants operating within bars and pubs during the MCO. The MCO itself commenced on January 13 in several states and was subsequently extended nationwide, excluding Sarawak, until February 18.

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What is the official stance on restaurants within bars during MCO?

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