Eateries expect moderate Fathers Day celebration
PETALING JAYA: Fathers Day this Sunday is expected to be celebrated modestly as people are still not keen to go out and dine despite most restaurants resuming normal business hours under the recovery movement control order (MCO) phase.
Selangor and Federal Territory Chinese Restaurant Operators Association vice-chairman Sia Boon Kong said patrons were put off by the limit requirement per table, forcing them to dine separately at different tables.
“Many of them called up and asked if a family of six or more are allowed to sit together at one table on Fathers Day because they are worried about getting fined.
“We do have large tables that can accommodate such request in maintaining social distancing between patrons.
“But not all states have the same standard operating procedure (SOP), so we can’t conclusively assure the diners,” he said yesterday.
Sia, who runs a chain of seafood restaurants in Johor Baru, Negri
Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur, said the government’s SOP of not having more than four people for each table was not helping operators to recover in their business.
Chinese restaurants, he said, had tables of different sizes and the government should not generalise by limiting a table to only four pax.
“For example, the SOP should specifically allow a standard 1.5m round table to be seated with five pax for the duration of the recovery MCO.
“The larger 3m table, meant for 20 people, should be allowed for up to 50% of its capacity or 10 pax,” he said.
Sia called upon the authorities to draft out a clearer set of guidelines, including the dos and don’ts, so that patrons would have more confidence to dine out while safeguarding the aspect of hygiene and health.
Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants & Chefs Association honorary chairman Datuk Lum Tuck Loy said a majority of their members had not received any bookings for a Fathers Day family feast.
“Even on normal days, there were only a few dining in since business resumed.
“Many of our regulars are families and they usually come in big groups.
“They are worried about getting fined if they sit together although we have big tables to keep a safe distance,” he said.