Perak MB urges the public not to stigmatise employees, frontliners from premises with Covid-19 cases

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad (right) visiting the roadblock at the Kuala Kangsar toll interchange on Thursday, 28th January 2021. —RONNIE CHIN/The Star

TAIPING: The people, especially business owners, have been urged not to stigmatise employees and frontliners working in premises with Covid-19 cases.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said there have been incidents where frontliners have been turned away from shops.

"During a briefing at the Taiping police headquarters, I learned that there's a wrong perception involving the frontliners, whether they are the police, Rela, firemen or prison staff.

"There have even been businesses that have placed stickers outside their shops banning Kamunting Correctional Centre employees from entering the premises," he told reporters after visiting the Changkat Jering toll interchange here Thursday (Jan 28).

"I think this is wrong and an insult. It is also demoralising and embarrassing," he said.

Saarani said the people should be thankful and have more respect for the frontliners.

"We need to be appreciative and sympathise with them.

"They also need to go out and buy food for their families," he said.