Fewer rules means more community vigilance needed

PETALING JAYA: The easing of Covid-19 rules for business premises was heartily hailed by restaurants and retailers, but they also reminded members of the public that the pandemic is not over.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s announcement on the further easing of the standard operating procedure (SOP) was like a “Hari Raya gift or angpow to the rakyat”.

However, he advised the public to continue to observe self-discipline by wearing face masks at crowded places to avoid getting infected or infecting others.

“We won’t know who among us are infected and my advice to the public is please wear your mask in public and crowded places and always be conscious of the safety of others.

“If you have symptoms, please quarantine yourself and don’t put others in danger,” he added.

Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim said as more relaxations are given, the public must remain vigilant of the virus.

“We must practise community solidarity and take precautionary steps before attending any social engagement.

“We encourage our members and the food and beverage fraternity to be diligent always and maintain the current sanitisation and staff testing measures,” he said.

Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association president Wong Teu Hoon said restaurants under his association will operate at full capacity from May 1.

“We will however retain the MySejahtera check-ins and continue advising customers to continue adhering to physical distancing when seated at the tables.

“Customers, however, can still opt to be seated in full capacity at tables,” he added.