The government has agreed to allow animal clinics to operate during the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

According to Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, however, the operation of the animal clinic was allowed through appointments only.

"The government has agreed to allow animal clinics or veterinary clinics to operate but on appointment-based services.

"Pet owners can contact a nearby animal clinic for an appointment date in advance to prevent congestion at the clinic," he said at a daily press conference here on Sunday.

He said the decision was made after taking into account the applications and concerns of the people especially pet owners when the MCO was implemented.

Ismail also announced that the government had distributed 24.8 million pieces of face masks or 88.1 per cent of the total amount purchased from abroad.

The process of distributing the remaining face masks, he said, was expected to be completed in the near future.