Following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in several states, the Malaysian Government has declared a two-week (Jan 13-26) lockdown in those states including capital city Kuala Lumpur. The first time a lockdown was declared with strict movement control order (MCO) was when the pandemic first appeared in March 2020.
With this second lockdown, referred to as MCO 2.0. however, many businesses are allowed to operate with strict standard operating procedures although interstate travel is not allowed, nor is travel beyond 10km unless one has a permit and restaurants are only allowed to provide takeaways. The government listed a number of businesses that can remain open as they are deemed essential such as banks, healthcare and food providers and manufacturers, logistics and other service providers. It is also heartening to note that bookshops are allowed to open.
In a press release issued by MABOPA, the Malaysian Book Publishers Association noted that books are essential items and more so during this time when people are not able to leave their homes. Books provide comfort and enlightenment not to mention students require books as they prepare for their examinations. Therefore, publishers, bookshops, warehouses, libraries and printers should be permitted to operate while observing strict standard operating procedures such as reducing the number of employees in the office by a system of rotation with those working from home.
MABOPA also stressed that they will increase efforts in transforming the book industry towards e-commerce, ebook lending, and audio books to ensure the sustained growth of the industry.
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