They said many businesses have reached the end of the line and are in dire need of life support.
Malaysia Retail Chain Association president Shirley Tay said it has been difficult for many retailers and many have lost hope. The delay in allowing business sectors to reopen will severely aggravate the current dire situation. It is worrying that we cannot ascertain the timeframe of when there will be a relaxation for businesses, she added.
Ms Tay urged the government to consider allowing more businesses to reopen to customers who have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association vice-president Ringo Kaw called for dine-in to be allowed, but limited to only patrons who have been vaccinated.
PETALING JAYA: Bookings for the pre-Chinese New Year appreciation dinner (sau kong dinner) among companies have dropped drastically this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Only a handful of employers are still considering organising such dinners for their staff, and there are also fewer inquiries and bookings for Chinese New Year reunion dinners.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Ku Su Shin Choong Hung Restaurants Association chairman Datuk Lum Tuck Loy said most companies are skipping the appreciation dinner due to cost and health concerns.
“Bookings would usually be full by now as companies and employers start to make inquiries and reservations, beginning from December right up to before Chinese New Year.