Supermarkets urged to provide hand sanitizer not detergent

SIBU: Supermarket operators are urged to provide hand sanitiser as stated in the standard operating procedures (SOP) and not detergent.

“My advice to all the supermarkets is use proper hand sanitiser. It is not that expensive anymore.

“Alternatively, provide a place for customers to wash their hands. Dettol with the correct dilution can also be effective,” said Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun.

An anonymous member of the public complained to The Borneo Post yesterday about a major supermarkets here providing detergent instead of hand sanitiser.

“When I asked, the answer given was hand sanitiser is expensive,” she recounted and said some people are allergic to certain detergent.

Dr Teh said members of the public may lodge a formal complaint with the department or relevant agencies.

“We will try to monitor to make sure all supermarkets adhere to the SOP. We might also fine them if necessary,” he pointed out.

According to Dr Teh, the department could not take a sample of every sanitiser operators are using to ensure its genuine.

He also advised the public to patronise supermarkets that practice proper SOP.

“If you think you are not comfortable entering certain supermarkets, you can visit other supermarkets, or use your own hand sanitizer.

“Of course, it is not right not to provide proper sanitiser. I really urged supermarkets to adhere to the SOP,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, a representative from a supermarket said they have to spend about RM3,000 per month on hand sanitiser alone.

“This is extra expenses to keep everyone safe and if everyone is safe from this virus, it is beneficial for us as well in terms of business,” she said.

She added that the management ensures workers sanitise the stairs, floors and trolleys every one or two hours.

A representative from another supermarket said they need about one litre of hand sanitiser every three days with the management spending an average of RM50 per day.