KUALA LUMPUR: Many restaurant owners have adapted to new norms and put all necessary standard operating procedures (SOP) in place.
Customers have also been careful to comply with all new rules, such as temperature scanning, screening of details and physical distancing.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said its members had observed significant improvements in terms of people adhering to the SOP, so much so that it had become a habit for most.
"The announcement by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to allow operating hours until 2am in non-Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order areas has also brought relief to our members, especially for outlets operating near tourist spots and factories where there are night shift workers.
"Presma is constantly reminding its members to strictly follow new norms via our Facebook page and also through WhatsApp. We have also placed banners at all outlet entrances to remind customers of the need to follow new norms."
He said compliance to new norms was mandatory for operators or they would be at risk of being penalised by the authorities if they were lax.
"However, we sometimes encounter rude customers who are hot-headed but we have to face it as this is part and parcel of our job.
"We will strenuously remind them that if they don't adhere to the rules and and regulations, they will have to face the consequences. "They should remember that we are still fighting the virus. We are strict and will turn customers away if they refuse to adhere to the SOP. We place posters stating 'no face masks, no entry' at the entrance of our premises."
Jawahar urged member restaurants to provide or sell face masks to customers who did not have one with them when entering premises.
He added that it was also crucial for operators to ensure physical distancing and maintain cleanliness at all times.
"This includes refilling hand sanitisers, providing soaps and recording the details of customers.
Everyone should play their part. "It will also be helpful if police or officers from the Health Ministry make constant rounds and give reminders to the people through loud hailers, especially at crowded places like pasar malam, supermarkets and restaurants."
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association president T. Muthusamy said non-compliance to the SOP would not be tolerated.
He said more stringent action must be taken and awareness campaigns added to positively affect individual behaviour.
"Nevertheless, new norms are becoming part of our lifestyle with increasing public awareness. "In general, the people are more concerned now about safety and health when dining outside."
For more information, go to https://www.infosihat.gov.my/images/media_sihat/normabaharu/HTML/