BATU KAWAN – The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has encouraged consumers nationwide to adopt “self-bubbles” by patronising retail and food outlets that have the majority of their staff vaccinated.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said consumers can ask if such premises have made it a point to vaccinate most of their staff, or in some cases, have decided to make it mandatory for their employees.
He informed retailers that nowadays consumers are becoming more discerning than ever, preferring to shop at outlets whose workers have been jabbed besides ensuring that profiteering does not take place.
This self-bubble concept is to inject confidence back into the retail sector, which, along with tourism, were among the worst hit economic sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns.
Speaking after inspecting Design Village Outlet Mall here, Hasnol said consumers can adopt this bubble by charting a safe passage when going out.
For example, from the beginning of their journey when they enter their vehicles heading to the retail outlet or restaurant of choice, members of the public should choose routes that avoid crowds.
At the same time, business proprietors must practise the pandemic standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure that most of their employees have been inoculated.
The relevant SOPs are proper physical distancing, excellent hygiene and being fully masked, besides providing ample supply of sanitiser.
The outlets also need to be constantly cleaned throughout operating hours.
“As consumers, we can be conscious to adopt our own bubbles. We should go to places where the vaccination rate is high. By doing this, we are encouraging our fellow citizens to also be immunised. The faster we get herd immunity, the better it is for us,” he said.
Sharing data, Hasnol said that from May 13 until yesterday, the ministry’s enforcement division has conducted checks at over 700,000 retail outlets to ensure they comply with SOPs.
Around 839 outlets were issued with compounds, while 8,400 were given warnings and advisories on how to observe SOPs necessary to contain Covid-19.
Overall, the compliance rate for the retail sector was at 99%, which is good, said Hasnol.
The next important task to get workers in the retail sector fully vaccinated.
Earlier, Hasnol accompanied Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to visit a Retail Industry Vaccination Centre (Rivac), which is also located at the mall.
There are nine Rivacs in the country, namely in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Melaka, and Penang, with plans to open at Johor, Pahang, Kedah and east Malaysia.
A total of 45,960 retail workers have received their first dose, while 13,500 are fully vaccinated.
There are two Rivacs in Penang, one at Gurney Paragon on the island, and the other here. – The Vibes, August 21, 2021
