A RETAIL chain group has urged the Government to appoint a main reference body to mitigate differences between enforcement authorities and businesses arising from confusing standard operating procedures (SOP) implementation.
“It would be helpful if the Government appoints a main reference body, such as the National Security Council (NSC), in the event there is a conflict in the interpretation of any provisions of the SOPs.
“We also believe the Government should engage with industry players regularly so that the SOPs can be implemented more smoothly, effectively and productively,” the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) told FocusM, in a statement.
Recently, online news portal Malaysiakini several businesses across the Klang Valley were left aghast due to conflicting statements from the police and Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on business operations, particularly involving the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Ismail said that bars and pubs were not allowed to operate but restaurants could open and sell alcoholic drinks. However, the Kuala Lumpur police took a different position.
“So, who do we follow?” Bangsar Bar and Restaurants Owners (BRO) pro-tem chairperson Benny Bedi was reported asking.
Touching on the matter, MRCA said that such confusion would affect any business, particularly retailers that have a widespread operation.
On the losses suffered, the retailers group said it was not easy to quantify the damage to businesses caused by the lack of coordination by the relevant Government agencies.
“Nevertheless, it is fair to say that stricter SOP interpretation by the authorities has a direct negative impact on the sales performance,” it added.
However, MRCA stressed on the need to coordinate SOPs between Federal and State Governments as well, so as to harmonise its implementation and enforcement across localities and states.
“And please ensure all agencies are on the same page, given that SOPs are frequently updated,” it remarked. – Feb 25, 2021
