Spot checks needed on MySejahtera usage to help curb virus cases

Log book together with MySejahtera QR code.

KUCHING: The mandatory use of MySejahtera by business premises is a good move towards effective contact tracing, but spot checks would serve to ensure strict adherence to the standard operating procedure, said Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Jonathan Chai.

He said the association had no problem with the new ruling because the objective was to make it easier for contact tracing to be done when required.

“As explained by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakub, it is all right if business operators want to use other apps in addition to MySejahtera.

“It’s good that the government is compassionate enough to provide an exemption to those in rural areas or small towns where Internet connectivity is not stable, ” he said.

Chai also felt that random checks on individuals and business premises were a better option to make sure the SOP was strictly observed.

He said the public tended to slack off where there was a drop in the number of Covid-19 cases, resulting in less stringent compliance with the SOP.

“In order to contain the pandemic, self-discipline is still the key factor to ensure success and we should not take the virus lightly.

“While frontline personnel like doctors, nurses and police have been making a lot of sacrifices in trying contain the pandemic, we must also play our part as responsible citizens by adopting new norms as our way of life – putting on face masks whenever we go out, washing our hands more often than usual and observing social distancing, ” Chai said.

He said that the experience of other countries showed that the fight against Covid-19 would be a long and tough one, which could only be overcome through the collective effort and commitment of everyone.

In Ipoh, business owners are told they should no longer be apathetic.

Kelab Usahawan Bandar Meru Raya Perak deputy chairman Mohd Nor Nizam Baharudin said they supported the government’s latest announcement for offenders to be fined RM1,000 for non-compliance.

“Everyone needs to be on board with this. In fact, they should have done so since earlier on, ” he said when contacted.

“I feel that premise owners also need to be more responsible. They should remind their customers to follow the SOP and not just merely focus on making money.”

Meanwhile, Perak Coffeeshop Association chairman Ooi Beng Yeaw said many eateries are still unsure whether they can allow four persons to sit at a table, or to follow the 1m physical distancing guideline, whereby a larger table could seat up to six.

“Some of us have been advised by enforcement personnel to follow the four-person rule. The government needs to come up with a written directive on this as it is unfair for us to be fined when there is no clear definition, ” he added.