Ismail Sabri confirms MCO exemption revoked for Heineken, Carlsberg

(FMT) – Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today confirmed the revocation of approval for beer companies Heineken and Carlsberg to continue manufacturing activities during the movement control order (MCO) period.

In a press conference here, he said the international trade and industry ministry would issue a letter to this effect.

“We made the decision that the approval would be cancelled at a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,” he said.

Earlier, FMT reported that Putrajaya would revoke its controversial approval exempting Heineken from suspending its operations during the MCO.

A source said the decision to allow the beer factory to remain open had been “premature”, as the secretary-general of the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry had issued the letter without the approval of his minister or the international trade and industry ministry.

Under the MCO announced last month, all offices and businesses were closed to contain the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus.

Exemptions were given to essential services including water and electricity, telecommunications, transport, banking and food supply.