PETALING JAYA: Malaysians tend to eat late, so the Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) is hoping that restaurants will be allowed to operate longer hours.
“With the latest SOP (standard operating procedure), we will need to close by 8pm – but people usually come out to buy their dinner later than that, ” said its vice-president C. Krishnan.
“Delivery services are likely to stop taking orders around 7.30pm, which will affect our business, ” he said, referring to the latest announcement that restaurants would be allowed to open from 8am to 8pm under new rules to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ruling will be enforced from Tuesday until June 7.
GEORGE TOWN: While the government looks into rules and regulations, food and beverage operators across Malaysia are pleading with the rakyat to take care of themselves and follow the standard operating procedure.
In Penang, F&B operators fear that another round of the MCO here could lead to the collapse of the sector, with small businesses likely to be the most affected.
Roti canai seller Mohamed Ali Abdul, 48, said if the MCO was implemented again, it would not only cause hardship to him but also to his 10 workers.
“As it is, our business has dwindled as people are scared to eat out. If the government declares another MCO, I fear I have to close for good this time, ” he said at his stall in Jalan Sri Bahari.
PETALING JAYA: Although the increased fine of RM10,000 has been described as too harsh by some, the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association says there is no other way to deter irresponsible behaviour.
Its president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the increased fine will help to ensure that the SOP is fully adhered to.
“It will help curb the spread of Covid-19. It is important for us all to adhere to the SOP.
“If we need to go anywhere, we should make sure we follow the SOP. That’s how we prevent ourselves from being fined, ” he said.
Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, vice-president of the Malaysian Retailers Association, however said the government should reconsider the move.