BUSINESS premises must retain the right to view people’s health status on MySejahtera when entering, even as the country does away with the need for scanning check-ins on the app, retailers’ groups said.

“Business owners must have unfettered ability to request to view the MySejahtera status of any individual who wishes to enter their premises if determined as a necessary precaution, especially in food and beverage outlets where customers are expected to have to remove their masks or where there is crowding as social distancing is now unnecessary,” they said in a statement today.

The associations that issued the statement are Asean Retailers & Franchise Federation, Bumiputra Retailers Organization, Federation of Malaysian Business Associations, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Malaysia Retailers Association and Malaysia Shopping Malls Association.

The Health Ministry will no longer require check-ins on the app on premises beginning tomorrow.

However, those with the high risk or Covid-positive status and on home surveillance order should not be allowed to enter any premises, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has said.

The retail groups reminded the public that keeping everyone safe from Covid-19 is a “tripartite responsibility” involving the authorities, premises owners and individuals.

“We fully support the need for individuals to self-regulate to create a safe environment for everyone and the community at large,” they said. 

“The onus lies with all individuals to ensure that they are not on the high-risk list when they venture out. Allowing individuals on premises is based on good faith and integrity.

“Therefore, we call upon everyone to cooperate when requested to (show) your status because this is for the mutual benefit and safety of all of us in the community. 

“We fully support the call by the authorities to remind the people to be responsible citizens and not to resist or be unwilling to show your MySejahtera status.”

Khairy has also said random checks will still be made by the authorities and action can be taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 against individuals on the premises found to be “high risk” for violating the rule and exposing others to the risk of infection. 

The retail groups also said the authorities must recognise that business owners cannot be held responsible if high-risk individuals are inevitably found on their premises.

“It is the individuals themselves who must be held liable in the event of any enforcement,” they added. – April 30, 2022.