No compromise on public safety

At the SS2 Selera Malam food court, red tape is placed across table to chair to ensure physical distancing among customers.

FOOD operators in SS2 in Petaling Jaya are ready to serve customers in a safe manner during the conditional movement control order (MCO).

This includes adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOP) during the two-week period, until Oct 27.

“Until noon on Tuesday, we were unsure if we could operate,” said Beer Factory restaurant general manager Wong Yuen Heng.

“When it was announced that dining in was allowed, it was a big relief.

“Many food operators here checked with the local authorities as well following the announcement by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that restaurants, food stalls, food trucks, kiosks, food courts, roadside hawkers, convenience and grocery stores can open for business from 6am to 10pm during the conditional MCO.

“We decided to stay open only after the local council and police gave us the green light,” said Yuen Heng.

Checks showed that food outlets had rearranged the layout in their premises to adhere to the SOP when allowing customers in.

At the SS2 Selera Malam food court, western food hawker Wong Kok Wai said he and other hawkers had marked some 100 tables here.

“We have identified seats and tables that can be occupied by customers.

“We have placed an ‘X’ using tape across tables and chairs to make it clear that no one can sit here,” said Kok Wai.

Over at Medan Selera MBPJ, mixed rice stall operator Roslan Baharun said he had made sure there were enough tables and chairs set out for his lunchtime customers.

“I do not have to put markings as my customers know what to do. The SOP is not new to them.

“When I reopened in May after the initial conditional MCO, it was already stipulated that physical distancing was a must and my regulars followed this strictly,” said Roslan.

Durian seller Cheong Yaw Chay said for customers’ comfort, tables to accommodate groups of four people in addition to tables for two had been set up.

“I have placed extra tables in between these, marked with an ‘X’.

“This way, although a group of friends or family is seated at different tables, they are still close enough to chat with each other,” said Cheong.

SS2 resident Jack Neo, who was having lunch with two friends at the food court, said the food operators had taken efforts to ensure the safety of customers.

“The seating arrangements limit and distance diners and this is a must during this period,” said Neo.