MCA: Allow retailers to reopen as more get vaccinated

Tan (right), Tay (second from left) and volunteers with the donated eggs for residents of the Sri Aman flats in Petaling Jaya.

DAMANSARA MCA is urging the government to allow the retail sector to reopen for business as more people are being inoculated.

Damansara MCA chairman Tan Gim Tuan said retail businesses in Selangor, where employees had been fully vaccinated, should be allowed to resume operations with minimal restrictions imposed.

“The vaccination programme is heading in the right direction and we urge the government to allow the retail sector, especially those operating from shoplots and commercial areas, to start operations.

“Businesses with fully vaccinated employees should be allowed to reopen.

“Many retail operators, the majority of whom are small and medium enterprises, are suffering financial hardship.

“The government should allow those who have been fully vaccinated to dine in at eateries and permit them to patronise outlets where the workers have been vaccinated too,” he said, adding that this should be done as soon as possible.

Tan added that waiting until Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan might be too late for some businesses.

“The retail sector is the heart and soul of Malaysia’s economy and we must do all we can so businesses can return to normal by August,” he said.

Tan also supported the government’s move to allow walk-in vaccination for those without documentation, including migrants starting Aug 1.

He welcomed the announcement made by National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin as a step forward.

Tan together with businessman Yujin Tay, 27, donated eggs to needy folk at the Sri Aman flats in SS1, Petaling Jaya.

Tay, an egg seller who donated 600 eggs, said he has been enjoying brisk business during the Covid-19 pandemic even though customers wanted their orders delivered to their homes.

“It is a humbling experience to be able to help those in need.

“I feel the need to do my part for the poor as I am still young and have been blessed with good business,” he said.

Tay said he was shocked to see residents living in cramped spaces.

“I saw a family of seven sharing a small flat.

“This experience has given me an insight into their plight, and I want to continue doing my part for society whenever possible.”