Back to life, back to reality

PETALING JAYA: Despite more relaxation of the Covid-19 standard operating procedure beginning today, various business owners are opting to retain the health protocols at their premises as a precaution for their patrons.

Among the relaxations were that patrons are no longer required to scan the MySejahtera QR code to check in, while staffers are only required to check the risk status of individuals.

Malaysia Budget Hotel Association national deputy president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said although relaxations are timely, budget hotels would continue to display the MySejahtera QR codes at their premises for the time being.

“As long as MySejahtera is used by the government, we will continue displaying the codes at our entrances.

“Our staff members will also conduct checks to ensure only patrons who possess a low-risk status are allowed onto the premises,” he said.

Cafe operations manager See Toh Wai Zhung, 26, said his outlet will still advise patrons to utilise the MySejahtera check-in alongside checks on customers’ risk status before allowing entry.

“There are many issues plaguing our industry at the moment and the last thing we want is for our staff members to contract Covid-19.

“Hence, these measures will continue to be implemented unless there is a directive from the management to make any changes,” he said.

Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief executive officer HC Chan said their malls will not be continuing with MySejahtera check-ins beginning May 1.

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“However, risk status checks will still be conducted diligently alongside mask-wearing as they are mandated,” he said.

He added that apart from the necessary safety precautions such as ensuring better air quality and sanitising public areas, cooperation between patrons and organisers are equally important.

Malaysian Hotels Association (MAH) chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng concurred, saying that hotels will generally move forward with the removal of MySejahtera check-ins as well.

“Checks on guests’ risk status would be performed at business units such as restaurants or check-in counters.

“Some premises may also opt to perform checks at main entrances depending on their respective managements,” he said.

Food and beverage operations manager Felix Koh, 32, said his outlets will also resume operating at full capacity beginning May 1.

“We will also be removing our MySejahtera QR codes at entrances while a staff will still be stationed at the door to screen patron’s status,” he said.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced a slew of relaxations to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Among them were that MySejahtera check-ins were no longer required at premises with staffers now having to check the risk status of patrons, with positive cases and those undergoing quarantine not allowed entry.

Activities were also allowed to be run at 100% capacity with physical distancing no longer required.