Effects from the relaxation were immediately felt with more dine-ins and reservations.
However, there were now some concerns over the RM10,000 fine on those who violated the standard operating procedure.
The Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants & Chefs Association vice-president Datuk Ringo Kaw said eateries in the Klang Valley were seeing positive increase in patronage, especially during weekends.
“Although interstate travel is still not allowed, people are utilising the opportunity to gather with their loved ones.
“Many are also making plans to see their family before Ramadan begins next month. This is a good sign and we hope things will improve further, ” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Although the increased fine of RM10,000 has been described as too harsh by some, the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association says there is no other way to deter irresponsible behaviour.
Its president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the increased fine will help to ensure that the SOP is fully adhered to.
“It will help curb the spread of Covid-19. It is important for us all to adhere to the SOP.
“If we need to go anywhere, we should make sure we follow the SOP. That’s how we prevent ourselves from being fined, ” he said.
Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, vice-president of the Malaysian Retailers Association, however said the government should reconsider the move.
Closing CNY with a bang thestar.com.my - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thestar.com.my Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The more diners make food operators the merrier thestar.com.my - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thestar.com.my Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
PETALING JAYA: Restaurants and small coffeeshops hope the government can provide them with six months’ rental subsidies or interest-free loans to keep them afloat.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) and Malaysia Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCPGA) said since their members have contributed to the government’s coffers in various forms of taxes, they hoped the government could reciprocate.
Presma president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said “mamak restaurant” owners were now in dire straits as some rents have reached up to RM35,000 a month in the cities.
He said unless the government steps in immediately to provide rental subsidies, he foresees many more resorting to ah long (illegal loan sharks) to stay afloat.