KUALA LUMPUR (March 19): The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities has underlined five operations that will continue as usual throughout the movement control order (MCO).

In a statement today, it said these comprise:
(i) oil palm harvesting by plantation companies and smallholders,
(ii) processing of fresh fruit bunches by mills, 
(iii) processing of crude palm oil in refineries for local supply of cooking oil,
(iv) rubber-tapping activities to supply to production of medical equipment like gloves and catheters, and
(iv) logging sector to continue to fulfil ongoing contracts.

The decision was made by the ministry with the endorsement of the National Security Council, and after the ministry had sought the views at a Cabinet meeting this morning.

“All parties involved in the aforementioned activities must ensure all means of prevention and control of the Covid-19 outbreak is followed, including minimising workforce and workforce movement, via social distancing, and for workers to return to their accommodation immediately after work. 

“All parties are reminded to maintain their hygiene, such as washing hands with soap [and using] hand sanitisers,” the statement added.