The National Security Council (NSC) has published the most recent standard operating procedures (SOP) for the tourism sector in states that are subject to the movement control order (MCO), specifically for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Travel fairs, trade shows, travel marts, travel bazaars, and culture and arts carnivals are all covered by the new SOPs.

Such activities take place during normal business hours and a 10 p.m. closing time. Delegates, participants, and guests are restricted to 25% of the venue's capacity, with a maximum of 250 people per event or 1,000 square meters, whichever is lower.

The restriction is also subject to the usable capability of the premise, so that physical separation can be preserved. Individuals must maintain a one-metre separation, while seating and booth or display tables must maintain a two-metre separation.

Staff on duty must manage and track all common facilities in convention centers, exhibition halls, meeting rooms, conference halls, and other areas of focus for delegates and visitors to ensure that the SOPs are followed at all times.

For the public's use, every entry point must have body temperature scanners, MySejahtera QR codes, and hand sanitizers. Before, during, and after programs or activities, details about Covid-19 must be released.

Cleaning and sanitization protocols must also be practiced before, during, and after services or events. Visitors must obey the SOPs, which are implemented by both the event manager and the premise holders, with any breaches punishable under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

Both the organizer and the premise owner would be responsible for the premise's decontamination costs, as per the agreed-upon schedule.

A briefing for event suppliers and exhibitors must be held at least one day prior to the event itself, addressing show management, itinerary flow, and safety measures before, during, and after the event.

Both the event manager and the premise owner must ensure that all event managers, exhibitors, guests, and participants wear face masks or shields at all times while on site.

The NSC stated that any program at an event must be limited to two hours, particularly if it involves a large number of people. Similarly, walk-in visitors should be restricted, and visitors over the age of 60 should be discouraged.

It is recommended that anyone entering the premises use a time-based rotation scheme, complete with digital signboards. Before, during, and after MICE business activities, “Happy Hour” events involving near contact and touching are forbidden.

Any restaurant or cafe operating on the premises is only allowed to serve packed food or take-out, with the required social distance and a limit on the number of guests at any given time.

The coordinator must plan an emergency response team to prepare and carry out the required course of action in the event of Covid-19 symptoms or infections, or to promote the investigation into plausible infections.

According to the SOPs set out by the Health Ministry and the NSC, the organizer must also plan a Medical Aid and Treatment Area on the premises.