Eatery, sundry shop workers violate SOP despite reminders

KOTA KINABALU: A random check revealed that there is truth to a claim that some stubborn workers of coffee shops, eating outlets and sundry stores here failed to strictly adhere to health protocols imposed by the Ministry of Health and Sabah government.

A random check on some outlets within the city showed some shop assistants and those involved in food preparations continued to defy the standard operating procedure (SOP) despite repeated reminders from the authorities concerned.

The random check was carried out ysesterday morning in Penampang and city proper following daily reported cases of SOP violators particularly ‘on not wearing’ and ‘not properly wearing’ face mask and practising social distancing in workplaces.

Most of the offenders are working in coffee shops and small sundry outlets.

The Federal and State authorities have continued to remind and urge the general public to strictly comply with the SOP at all time in view of the increasing Covid-19 positive cases in Sabah.

To effectively help flatten transmission of coronavirus it is vital for everyone to properly wear face mask, observe strictly social distancing, and be health conscious amongst others, the Ministry of Health said.

On Monday, Sabah MIC said awareness campaign would be organised soon to help remind the public, including its members and the Indian community, on the importance of adhering to government health advices.

Concerned over the rising Covid-19 cases, its Sabah chairman Peer Muhammad Kadir said his group planned to visit Indian-operated eateries to remind workers on the proper use of face mask and the necessity of physical distancing.

“We will extend whatever assistance to the government in the fight against coronavirus as part of our social obligation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Indian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Abdul Kadir Faruk denied that its members are disregarding the SOP.

Abdul Kadir said the statement of Sabah MIC receiving complaints of some workers in Indian-operated outlets do not or not properly wear face mask was baseless and totally unacceptable.

He said their members had always worked tirelessly to contain the spread of Covid19 by adhering to all SOPs announced and implemented by the government.

Abdul Kadir demanded Peer Muhammad to retract the statement.