ALOR STAR – The Kedah government is backing an appeal by Malaysian Association of Hotels’ (MAH) state chapter to allow dine-in for buka puasa until next week despite the imposition of the movement control order (MCO).
State exco Mohd Firdaus Ahmad, who oversees the youth, sports, tourism, art, culture, entrepreneur development and co-operatives portfolio, said he has spoken to MAH and understands its predicament.
“I have also spoken to the menteri besar (Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) on the hotels’ stance and he has agreed the hoteliers have a point,” said Firdaus in a statement.
Kedah will be providing feedback on the matter to the National Security Council soon as MCO guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are under the council’s purview.
Five out of 11 districts in Kedah have been placed under MCO from May 1 to May 14 following the spike in Covid-19 cases.
These districts are Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Bandar Baharu, Baling and Kulim.
“We will try to help but we have to bear in mind the rapid rise in infection rates, where the five districts have recorded 709 cases within the past two weeks. It can affect public healthcare.”
Meanwhile, MAH Kedah chapter chairman Eugene Dass said hotels stand to lose even more revenue since they have stocked up a large amount of food and hired additional staff for Ramadan buffet dinners.
Many hotels have recorded good proceeds from buffet dinners, with most choosing to dine in for buka puasa.
Sales from buffets were supposed to mark a rebound for the hotel industry, which has been reeling from the adverse effects of Covid-19, but uncertainty has seeped in again, said Dass.
Dass also quoted statistics, saying that hotel-related cases account for less than 3% of infections so it is not hospitality properties that are driving up the cases, but other crowded areas.
He assured that hotels will adhere to strict SOPs such as ensuring diners are masked, physically distanced and have food served to them rather than helping themselves.
Dass also urged the government to identify better measures to contain the pandemic as the longer it spreads, the longer it will take for the economy to recover. – The Vibes, May 7, 2021
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