RESTAURANT and bars owners will seek clarification from the authorities to address breaches in the standard operating procedure, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of patrons during the recovery movement-control order (RMCO).

They told The Malaysian Insight they are still unsure of the applications of the rules and regulations because there are different sets of rules, depending on the enforcing authority.

Owners are also hoping the authorities can clarify the SOP to prevent any more untoward incident.

Malaysia Pub, Night Club and Bar Association pro tem committee chairman William Lee said they are still collecting information on the incidents from their members.

“We need to have a clearer picture to be able to comment fairly.

“We would like to engage with the authorities to find a solution to prevent breaches of RMCO guidelines and to clarify the various authorities’ position on the issue,” Lee told The Malaysian Insight.

This is crucial as some members are confused about the application of the rules and the enforcement, he said.

In the past week, more than 1,000 patrons have been arrested and fined for breaching RMCO guidelines.

Last Sunday, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said 608 people were arrested at entertainment outlets for violating the RMCO.

Other offences include no physical distancing, private parties, failure to provide entry records, not wearing masks and premises operating beyond their permitted hours.

Ismail urged the police and local authorities to act against nightclub and pub owners, including taking them to court and revoking their operating licences, for breaching RMCO regulations.

Nightclubs and pubs remain banned from operating under the RMCO.

According to the association, there are some 4,500 operators running 6,000 outlets nationwide, consisting of bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants.

Need to be strict

Logan Terence Gomez, who operates a restaurant in Bangsar, said outlets as well as patrons should be responsible and follow the SOP.

“Restaurants should be really strict. Of course, times are bad and they need to recoup their business, but I feel they are taking it for granted.

“Chances that this will jeopardise the current Covid-19 situation are high.

“They (patrons) shouldn’t be taking any chances (going to crowded places).”

Gomez also said the outlets need to survive but if they don’t take responsibility then things will worsen.

“Those who are extending their operating hours just want to get more revenue, which should not happen. I guess people are just being selfish.”

He also said the government should be clear with the SOP.

“Everyone seems to be having different sets of rules. City Hall will say one thing and the other authorities will say another.

“So, they have to make it clear.”

A bar manager in Kuala Lumpur, who wanted to be known only as Jay, said most outlets, especially eateries, are following the SOP.

“Those getting compounded are the ones that are open until the wee hours.

“Everybody is affected. So, they could be operating to generate more revenue.”

He also said the government should take action against anyone failing to follow the guidelines.

“We must follow SOP to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as we are still in RMCO.”

Business still bad

A restaurant owner, who declined to be named, said outlets could be breaching the guidelines because business was still bad.

He said this is despite more sectors opening up during the RMCO.

“We can see some places might not be following the SOP. This should not be happening.

“Yet it’s difficult to blame anyone as business is so bad that they are hardly making ends meet and desperate to cover their costs.”

He also said operators should be more responsible as it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Outlets should not be causing trouble by not following the SOP. If there is a law to follow, then let’s follow it.”

He also added that if the outlets continue to flout the law, then action must be taken.

Operators should advise their customers on the SOP, he added. – September 21, 2020.