THE Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry is urged to immediately cease announcing any more information derived from the hotspot identification by dynamic engagement (HIDE) system until the information is established to be clear, accurate and precise.

The call was made by three associations representing the shopping mall and retail industries nationwide in a joint statement today, namely Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, Malaysia Retailers Association and Malaysia Retail Chain Association.

“We believe that in view of the inaccurate information on the hotspot listing, this call to close for sanitisation is premature and will cause irreversible damage to perception and business recovery and survival,” they said. 

“This proposed closure should be held in abeyance until the data used in HIDE has been confirmed accurate and the hotspot locations are accurately identified.”

Earlier, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said premises, including Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars, listed in the HIDE system as high-risk locations in the spread of Covid-19 will be ordered to close for three days effective immediately.

Today, the government released the first HIDE list of business premises identified as hotspots with potential risk to spread Covid-19.

The associations also emphasised that the safety of shoppers is a top priority at shopping malls, and with all required SOP in place, including enhanced and regular cleaning and sanitisation measures, malls are safe places to visit. – Bernama, May 8, 2021.