Two malls, one golf course reopen

1 Utama, The Curve and Tropicana Golf and Country Resort back in business with extra safety measures in place.

PETALING JAYA: Two malls and a golf course here are now open for business following compulsory shutdowns for deep cleaning and disinfection to fight Covid-19.

Yesterday, 1 Utama and The Curve were allowed to reopen by the Health Ministry, along with Tropicana Golf & Country Resort (TGCR).

1 Utama and the golf resort were shut on Oct 11.

Jaslin, an IT manager who visited 1 Utama, was pleasantly surprised by the strict observance of the standard operating procedure (SOP) at all the outlets.

“You can see that every shop requires you to scan the QR code and sanitise your hands upon entering their premises,” said the 38-year-old, who added that she felt reassured by the measures taken by the mall.

“The management acted fast when the first Covid-19 case was detected and started testing all employees.”

Another shopper, Subash Abdullah, said it was initially heartbreaking when he learnt 1 Utama had to be closed due to an outbreak.

“When I found out they were going to reopen I decided to come because indirectly, I can support the business here,” said Subash, who added that he was diligent in following the SOP while at the mall.

“I think Malaysians should always stick to the guidelines, such as wearing a mask, sanitising your hands and observing physical distancing.

“I do feel that these measures really help to make the situation better,” the 50-year-old filmmaker added.

Nurin Jazlina, 22, said she was initially cautious but decided to come to the mall for a job interview.

“I expect many to stay at home due to the conditional movement control order (MCO), that is why I decided to come today for my interview here,” said the fresh graduate.

Meanwhile, Nurul Haniah, 40, said she was at the mall to buy groceries and settle some urgent matters.

“I live around here so when the mall closed, I was a bit concerned.

“Seeing that the mall has reopened after deep sanitisation, I am confident it is safe to shop here,” said the homemaker who also urged other mall-goers to observe safety measures to ensure that everyone can continue shopping safely.

“The responsibility does not only apply to the mall management alone but also visitors. We need to always follow the SOP,” she added.

On Friday night, The Curve conducted deep cleaning and disinfection after an employee of Foot Solutions was found positive for Covid-19 that same day.

In a Facebook statement yesterday, the mall said all the other employees were asked to self-quarantine after testing negative.

“They will only be allowed to return to work after testing negative again at the end of their 14-day quarantine,” the mall added.

Meanwhile, golfers had reason to cheer yesterday as TGCR is now cleared for golfing, though with enhanced SOP.

Although TGCR was permitted to reopen yesterday, it decided to only open today so as to fully prepare its facilities so that it will be as safe as possible.

“We are taking every precautionary measure to ensure everyone’s safety while still giving you an incredible sports experience during these unprecedented times,” it said.