With the announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of a new Movement Control Order (MCO) being implemented from 13 Jan to 26 Jan 2021, new sets of SOPs have been released. These SOPs detail the operation hours of businesses, permitted and prohibited activities, permissions to operate and more.

To ensure there are no obstacles or restrictions on movement during the Movement Control Order (MCO) 2.0 period, companies conducting trade distribution activities which are allowed to operate must obtain a notification letter confirming its registration. In relation to that, companies conducting trade distribution activities including retail, wholesale and distribution can apply for a notification letter confirming its registration by accessing the COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS).

The Ministry of Transportation (MOT) acknowledges the issues and challenges faced by the public in ensuring that trade and logistics activities continue to operate smoothly and safely. Therefore, to ensure unhindered movement, owners of commercial vehicles are not required to request endorsement letter from MOT. Please be informed that restrictions will not be placed on commercial vehicles operating during the MCO.

A majority of businesses, eateries, and shops will be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm daily under the latest implementation of the movement control order (MCO), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced. The senior minister explained that businesses subject to the 14-hour window during the MCO are restaurants and eateries, food trucks, roadside and mobile vendors and food kiosks, food courts and hawker centres, including sundry and convenience shops.

Interstate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) as well as social events are prohibited during the two-week Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period. Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said these were the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that differed from the previous CMCO.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will continue to function albeit with reduced headcount at MIDA Sentral, to assist businesses in their operations, following the reimposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO). The MCO announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will take effect on 13 Jan 2021.

On 12 January 2021, AMCHAM together with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce organized a virtual discussion with incoming U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr. Brian McFeeters, who was confirmed by the Senate on December 22. This was an opportunity to discuss member company presence and priorities in Malaysia and get to know Ambassador McFeeters before he departs for Kuala Lumpur.

Bringing communities together, in a functional area of an industry sector, is central to the business of any Chamber. At AMCHAM we would like to announce the formation of a new committee, Healthcare & Life Sciences (HLS) that will be led by Dave Mitchell, Managing Director, Boston Scientific Corporation, and Shakilla Shahjihan, Divisional Vice President, Government Affairs, Asia Pacific & Japan, Abbott Laboratories.

RHB Banking Group (RHB) has initiated humanitarian relief efforts for flood victims and will also be providing financial assistance through its Flood Relief Assistance programme for customers who were affected by the recent floods in the country. Customers impacted by the floods may apply for deferment of instalment payments on housing and Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) loan/financing facilities as well as a waiver on late payment charges for these facilities for a period of up to six months.

Projecting what the future holds is an important exercise for business and governments looking to plan ahead. In our first edition of 2021, we look ahead to the trends we expect to come to the fore in the global economy in the year to come. PWC identifies three themes for this year.

We publish this long-term energy outlook at the start of 2021, after a year that has brought extraordinary challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis caused unprecedented disruption in the energy landscape—and the path to recovery remains uncertain. At the same time, the world’s energy systems are going through rapid transitions that are triggered by simultaneous shifts in technological development, regulations, consumer preferences, and investor sentiments.