Lundu trader warned for using detergent as hand sanitiser
KUCHING: Another business outlet was found to be using detergent for the purpose of hand sanitising during the latest operation carried out by Ministry of Health to check on Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) compliance.
Sarawak chief environmental health officer Billy Sujang said the latest operation was carried out in the southernmost part of the state comprising Lundu on Thursday and Sematan, Telok Melano and Biawak a day later.
He said a business outlet in Lundu involved in retail trade was given a stern warning for using detergent of a reputable brand name to sanitise hands of those entering the premises.
An eatery also in Lundu, was also given stern warning after it was found not recording body temperatures of those entering the premises and registering their names and telephone numbers.
“Both premises did not comply with the the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the RMCO, such as not having a record of people entering the premises and their body temperatures taken, and not providing appropriate hand sanitiser. Make sure there is a sink and tap made available for people to wash their hands if other wash solution is used.
“After they were warned and advised, proprietors of both premises took positive steps by immediately rectifying the mistakes made. Generally speaking, I am very satisified with the SOP compliance level in Lundu and Sematan bazaars, Telok Melano and Biawak,” he said yesterday.
According to Billy, they checked 65 premises comprising 27 eateries, 30 retail outlets and convenience stores, three supermarkets, two clothing stores, a salon, a pharmacy and one internet centre.
He also said 44 enforcement personnel were involved in the operation, comprising 28 from MOH, three from Lundu police, eight from Lundu District Council, and two each from Civil Defence Force and Rela.
“The purpose of the operation was not to look for faults but to ensure the SOPs are complied with, as we all work together to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.
“Therefore, I call on business proprietors and consumers, to always comply with the SOP and practise the new normals,” he said.
On a related matter, Billy said two notices were also issued under Section 32B of Food Act 1983 to those who violated the smoking ban in eateries during the operation in Bau.
He said the two notices were issued to individuals found smoking at eateries, which is an offence under Regulation 11(1)(d) of Control of Tobacco Products (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
Offences under Regulation 11(1)(d) can be compounded up to RM250 or brought to the court to be charged, and if found guilty, the offender can be fined not more than RM10,000 or a jail sentence not more than two years.
“For the information of everyone, the smoking ban in eateries is still in force. If you want to smoke, make sure you do it at a spot three metres away from an eatery,” he said.