The Sabah Government is taking steps to open cinemas and beauty parlors immediately despite RMCO in a move to get more business to start their operation sooner than later. Making the decision to reopen before the Federal Government’s decision, is something the state is known to do, so it does not come as a surprise with this latest move.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal made this announcement after plea’s from the sector grew louder with the loses in income started to effect these business severely. Facing a situation whether to continue being in business or shutting down, the reopening dates were critical for survival, operators were pleased the announcement and thanked that it could not have come at a better time. However, the Chief Minister did highlight on the need to practice social distancing, including following strictly on the guidelines issued by Health Ministry and adhering to local rules.

Sabah has been one of the earliest states to be declared free from Covid-19 and has been taking precautionary steps to keep the state that way including closing its borders to people from the Peninsula. It was also the earliest to open recreation centres and parks in efforts to encourage domestic tourism , a main revenue driver for the East Malaysia state.

Cinema’s are some of the last large scale entertainment centres which have yet to receive approval from the National Security Council to reopen, likes of TGV, MBO and GSC have been patiently waiting for the green light. But there is indication that they will be opening very soon, with cleaning process at some of the cinema in the malls are already under way, and some operators have already indicated of  reopening on their social pages.