RESTAURANT workers will be instructed to wear a mask while on duty even though the government has lifted the mandate.

Restaurant group leaders said although the easing of Covid-19 restrictions is welcome, they wished to ensure the safety of workers and customers.

Malaysian Indian Muslim Restaurant Owners’ Association (Presma) vice-president Abdul Mukthahir M. Ibrahim said the group will advise its members to ensure that workers continue wearing masks. 

He added that restaurants were already affected by a severe shortage of workers, as such they would not be able to shut their operations for an extended period of time if there was an outbreak in their premises.

“We will ask our workers to continue to use masks because besides taking orders and serving food, they are also communicating with customers,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“This is to ensure there is no outbreak in the restaurants. 

“With the shortage of workers in most restaurants, we cannot be looking at closing our business (if there is an outbreak).

“So, it is better to take our own precautionary measures,” he added. 

Abdul Mukthahir, who owns Restoran Salam Sentosa in Rawang, also said that the use of masks among workers was not only to prevent the spread of Covid-19 but also to maintain hygiene.

“Besides ensuring that the disease doesn’t spread, masks also will ensure good hygiene.

“We will advise our members to ensure that workers still wear their masks. 

“In my restaurant, I still ask my workers to use a mask, but I’m not sure how the other members are going to take it (advice),” he said. 

On Wednesday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the wearing of masks indoors was now optional with immediate effect. 

He said premises owners will be allowed to be decide whether to make visitors wear a mask. 

However, Khairy said that masks must still be worn in hospitals, nursing homes and on public transport.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners’ Association (Primas) president J. Suresh said workers should contine to cover their mouths and noses, but it will be up to the restaurant owners to insist on the practice.

“We told our members, if possible, to make their workers continue wearing masks.

“This is also to ensure food safety and for hygiene reasons,” he said. 

Suresh, owner of Jaya Catering & Restaurants, said Primas will advise its members to put up signages to state that the usage of masks among customers is optional. 

“We will place signages at our restaurants that masks are optional. But if people continue to use it, it is better,” he said.

Malaysia lifted the mandate to mask up outdoors on May 1. It also no longer required people to check in with the MySejahtera app.

Mukthahir said that the people should have a sense of responsibility in ensuring their own safety as well as the well-being of others. 

“If people know that they are unwell or have symptoms, then they should just stay home and not spread the virus by going to restaurants. 

“They would need to have a sense of responsibility,” he said. 

The Presma vice-president also said that the public needs to constantly be educated on such matters despite the relaxation of rules.  

He said the government should continue making announcements on the need to report Covid-19 positive cases and educating people on ways to stay safe if they exhibit symptoms of the virus.  

Suresh also agrees that the public need to have a sense of accountability and to consider others when making a decision to dine out. 

“They will not only harm themselves but also others by spreading the virus,” he said. 

Suresh also said that since Malaysia was transitioning towards endemicity, businesses cannot be overly rigid with observing rules, unless it is stated by the government as necessary and mandatory. 

“It has come to the point where we have to somehow go back to our normal life.

“If not, we won’t know when this will end.

“But since we are still recording new cases in the thousands, people should ensure that they always adhere to safety measures,” he said. – September 10, 2022.