Letter to Editor
SMALL and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) welcomes the announcement by the Government of further relaxation of the economic sector, including night markets and dine-in in restaurants and clubhouses.
This is a timely respite for both businesses and consumers, and a good sign that the economy is nearing an inflection point.
However, many of our members in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors remain cautious about re-opening of their businesses, especially over the responsibility for the actions and compliance by customers.
In the previous recovery movement control order (RMCO), some businesses have been fined the maximum RM 50,000 for non-compliance of standard operating procedure (SOP) by their customers. Given the punitive nature of the fine, it is sending mixed signals to the business community.
We once again urge the Government to allow re-opening of all sectors of the economy when 80% of the population of each state has been fully immunised, and not a multi-phase approach that is creating confusion for businesses and our already overworked enforcement agencies.
Lastly, we urge all small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to exercise caution as they re-open their businesses, to follow all SOPs strictly and if in doubt, to take their own preventive actions.
For example, while the latest announcement allows fully vaccinated patrons and accompanying to dine-in, restaurants can still opt to only provide take-away or limit to fully vaccinated adult if they so choose. – Aug 20, 2021
Datuk William Ng is the chairman of SAMENTA Central and chairman of Policy and Government Relations, SAMENTA.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
