Business outlet caught using disinfectant as hand sanitiser
KUCHING: A business outlet in Bau was caught disguising disinfectant as hand sanitiser for the use of its customers.
The operators of the outlet and two other commercial premises were subsequently issued stern warnings during a joint operation by the Ministry of Health ( MoH) to check compliance with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO)’s standard operating procedures (SOP) on Tuesday.
Chief Environmental Health Sarawak officer Billy Sujang, who led the operation, said the use of disinfectant for cleaning hands was inappropriate and could be a health hazard.
“The outlet was given only a warning, since it adhered to most of the SOPs set for reopening of businesses during the RMCO period.
“The outlet is now using the proper hand sanitiser. I must applaud them for taking immediate action following the warning,” said Billy.
He said the operators of two other premises were also sternly warned for not recording the temperatures and contact details of those entering their premises, and not conducting cleaning, disinfecting, or sanitising works.
“I was told these two premises have also rectified their shortcomings immediately after the warning. Their fast actions deserve to be commended,” Billy said.
He said the operation on Bau town on Tuesday, running from 10am to 1pm, covered 27 premises comprising seven eateries, 18 retail outlets and convenience stores, as well as two barber shops / hair salons. A total of 27 enforcement personnel were involved in the operation – 14 from MoH, two from Bau District police, five from Bau District Council, and two each from the armed forces, Civil Defence Force, and People’s Volunteers Corps (Rela).
“We have started the operation in several locations in the state already, and we will continue to hold similar operations statewide. We are not out just to seek anyone’s fault or mistake, but we want to make sure that the SOPs are complied with in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within Infected Local Areas) (No. 7) Regulations 2020. Let us all play our role in curbing the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
Billy said three notices were also issued under Section 32B of the Food Act 1983 during the operation in Bau, to those who violated the smoking ban in eateries. He said all three notices were issued to individuals found smoking at an eatery – an offence under Regulation 11(1)(d) of Control of Tobacco Products (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
Offences under Regulation 11(1)(d) can be issued compounds up to RM250 or face charges in court. If found guilty, the offender could be fined not more than RM10,000 or jailed for up to two years.
Offences under Regulation 12(1)(b), on the other hand, could be issued compounds of up to RM250. If charged in the court, the offender could be fined a maximum RM3,000 or jailed for up to six months.
“For the information of everyone, the smoking ban in eateries is still in force,” said Billy.