SDMC releases SOP for breaking of fast in restaurants, halls, hotels and food premises
KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has released the detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for the breaking of fast in restaurants, halls, hotels and food premises.
The committee said the organisers for the breaking of fast must inform the local authorities and their respective divisional disaster management committee (DDMC) prior to holding the activities.
“The local authorities will carry out inspections with the respective DDMC and Ministry of Health before a written approval is issued by the DDMC,” said the committee.
It said the breaking of fast could only take place at a venue at 50 per cent of its capacity with physical distancing being observed, or a maximum of 300 persons only.
“It is compulsory for customers to make reservations before dining at the premises. Walk-in customers are not allowed.”
The committee said group reservations by government agencies or private sector are not allowed, but only allowed for individuals and those involving closest family members.
Customers are not allowed to wait in-line and orders are to be made by customers from the menu and food to be served on the table, it added.
It also stressed that the organiser has to implement selfenforcement for all the SOPs listed out.
Furthermore, SDMC said the premises’ entry and exit pathways must be clearly labeled, while the perimeter of the area where the breaking of fast is taking place must be indicated particularly if it is held at an open area or dining hall.
“Registration counters have to be set up at the entrance to limit the number of attendees, and to check customers’ body temperature and for symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, cold and breathing difficulties.
“Customers whose body temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius or exhibiting symptoms are not allowed to enter.”
It also said that organisers, operators, crew, waiters or workers must undergo health screening, not show any symptoms of sickness, and wear face masks at all times.
Customers or diners have to maintain a physical distance of one metre while queuing at the registration counter.
“The entry into the premises must be strictly monitored and the attendance of customers inside the dining area must adhere to the SOPs in place,” it added.
SDMC said the staff or crew members at the registration counters have to make sure customers wash their hands with soap, hand wash or hand sanitiser before entering the premises.
Moreover, the committee said thorough cleaning and disinfection in accordance to the Ministry of Health’s SOP must be conducted before and after the breaking of fast event at the dining area, tables and chairs, catering utensils, toilets and any surfaces or items that are prone to being touched.
“The location for the breaking of fast must also enjoy good ventilation and a distance of one metre between dining tables.
“The preparation of food must be in the form of either packed food, served or in a dome setting. Crew members or waiters must put on their face mask and gloves when handling the food.”
Customers or diners must adhere to the instructions of the organisers or operators in accordance to the SOP set up by the committee and they must wear their face mask at all times, it added.
Individuals who are suffering from chronic illness are advised not to participate in the breaking of fast activity at the mentioned premises. Attendance by babies and children are also discouraged.
The committee also pointed out the organisers or operators must keep the attendance of the customers and staff members in record via MySejahtera or manually by taking down the name, telephone number, date and time of an individual should their premises have no internet connection.
It said customers must also take their seats as indicated by the organiser or operator, and they should avoid close conversation and moving from table to table.
“Customers must dine in with physical distancing in place and not in groups. Congestion at the toilet, lift or at any area where the breaking of fast is taking place should be avoided.”
Customers are also urged not to congregate outside the dining area before and after the breaking of fast, and are to exit the dining area in an orderly manner.
The committee said if any operator, worker or customer has been detected to be Covid19 positive, the dining area must be closed immediately for sanitisation.
“As for breaking of fast at mosques or suraus, it will be based on the approval issued and the SOP listed out by the state Islamic authorities,” said SDMC.
The committee warned that any organiser or customer who does not obey the stipulated SOP will be issued with a compound under the existing laws and regulations.
Among the activities not allowed include moving from table to table to greet each other; breaking of fast in area where crowd control would be difficult; buffet services; travelling to areas under Recovery Movement Control Order (MCO), Enhanced MCO and MCO; as well as holding the breaking of fast event at MCO and Enhanced MCO areas.
In addition, persons-underinvestigation (PUI) and personsunder-surveillance (PUS) are not allowed to attend the event.
The breaking of fast event will continue to be governed by the latest regulations under SDMC and the local authorities from time to time, as well as the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
In another updated SOP by the committee, it said the operating hours for restaurants, food premises, food trucks and food delivery services, among other activities, have been extended from 6am to 12am from April 13 to 26.