The government has advanced the closing time for shopping malls, markets and shops by one hour as part of measures to save electricity and strengthen power management.

Under the new schedule, these establishments can remain open from 11am to 8pm every day. All illuminated billboards must also be switched off by 7pm, along with decorative lighting.

The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday (August 12). The new schedule took effect from the same day.

According to the ministry, a June 11 decision by the Power Division had allowed shopping malls, markets and shops to remain open until 9pm. However, the government revised the schedule considering the current situation.

The new directive also requires ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural events across the country to conclude by 8pm.

However, restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, medicine shops and other establishments providing essential services will remain outside the scope of the directive.

The Power Division has instructed relevant institutions and authorities to take necessary steps to implement the new schedule.

The move is aimed at reducing electricity consumption and easing pressure on the country’s power supply system.