Johor businesses laud move to relax SOP

JOHOR BARU: The proposal to relax some restrictions for those who have been fully vaccinated has been lauded by the business community here.

Johor Malay NGO Coalition Council president Zaini Atan said the proposed move could help many to get their lives back on track.

“We proposed a similar move earlier as a way to help the many families and businesses affected by the current restrictions.

“We are grateful for the announcement. Other countries have also taken similar steps and I believe it is safe to implement as only those who are fully vaccinated are involved,” he said when contacted.

Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary Hussein Ibrahim hopes the government will consider allowing those who have received their first dose to dine in at restaurants.

“At the moment, a majority of those who have been fully vaccinated are the elderly who are less likely to travel or dine in.

“The dine-in restriction could be kept at a maximum of two people per-table for fully vaccinated and first-dose recipients,” he said.

Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong urged the public to still practise better discipline if restrictions are eased.

“I believe that there is a flip side to the matter. Relaxing restrictions is a move in the right direction and it is also one that has been adopted globally.

“On the other hand, the issue of enforcement, capacity of businesses and service providers to conduct checks and Malaysians to be disciplined is highly questionable.

“A systematic mechanism must be put in place to ensure that the public do not abuse the relaxation of the SOP,” he said.