Malaysian manufacturers await approval for operation following government order on Restriction of Movement

The Malaysian government on 16 March 2020 announced that the country imposes a Restriction of Movement nationwide in an attempt to curb the rising number of Covid-19 infection that killed two.

Part of the Restriction of Movement orders all businesses and government departments to close for fourteen days, starting from 18 March 2020, except essential services including supermarkets, public markets, grocery stores and convenience stores selling everyday necessities.

Malaysian plastics manufacturers are facing operation disruption following the Restriction of Movement. At the moment, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is proposing to the government to exempt several sectors from the order. However, players are still waiting for approval.

Industries included in the application for exemption are:

1.    Food and beverage items including imported items

2.    Agriculture and fisheries including import

3.    Household products

4.    Personal Protective Equipment including Fire Safety Equipment and Medical Attire including face mask, rubber gloves, etc.

5.    Pharmaceutical–all chemicals and drugs production

6.     Packaging materials and printing including ink 

7.    Parts for medical devices eg. parts for ventilators 

Three other sectors that are considered as part of the supply of essential goods are also included in the request, which are

1.    Oil and Gas 

2.    Petrochemicals

3.    Chemical and Chemical products 

The FMM cited the fact that manufacturers have the export commitment and normally very costly to shut down. These plants are also operated in a ‘controlled environment with designated area’, therefore, less susceptible to the outbreak if follow proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Find the full list of the product suggested by the FMM here.