“We didn’t know pubs are not allowed to open” one patron informed the arresting police officer, another just said he felt like drinking some beer, these were some of the excuses police were told when they raided a popular street in Ipoh and arrested 29 men in conjunction with breaking the CMCO.

According to the Conditional MCO, entertainment centres including pubs and bars are still not permitted to open, however those which operate with restaurant license and serve alcohol are allowed to resume with SOP’s. As for the 2 pubs raided, the police found the place to be locked from the outside with customers enjoying themselves with drinks inside, authorities had to make multiple attempts to enter before the owner opened the door.

In a separate incident, a pub along Caning Estate street was also found to be operating with the arrest of four individuals, who claimed to came out for some drinks. Drinking premises that serve alcohol have been ordered shut since March 18, many are already feeling the pinch with some declaring to quit the business even after the CMCO is lifted. Social distancing and strict safety guidelines does not bode well for pubs and bars as these places often operate in small spaces while maximising patron seating.