ALOR STAR – Kedah will increase enforcement and closely monitor the standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance among passengers of Langkawi's ferry services to curb the spread of Covid-19, said Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
He said the matter needs to be given serious attention due to reports on non-compliance with the SOP among ferry passengers, including removing their face masks while using the service.
“Yesterday, we discussed this matter at the state executive council (exco) meeting and we are aware that Langkawi has now become the choice of tourists. Therefore, I have instructed transportation and tourism excos to play a more serious role.
“The Transport Ministry has issued SOPs for public transport services, so we need to enforce it. The problem arises when there is no enforcement to monitor SOP compliance in the ferries,” he told reporters after a gathering with civil servants here today.
Meanwhile, Sanusi said the state Health Department found there was an increase in Covid-19 cases in Kedah after interstate travel was allowed.
“There is no issue with interstate travel; the problem now is when some people do not comply with the SOP, which poses risks to others, especially among members of high-risk groups.” – Bernama, January 7, 2020
