Don’t be surprised if the uncle behind you at the mamak suddenly hand you a summon for not wearing your face mask properly!
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) has warned Malaysians that they are being watched by plain clothes enforcers who are more than ready to punish businesses and customers for not complying with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) that are in place. As reported by national news agency Bernama, the ministry is implementing ‘Ops Samar’ in order to ensure SOP compliance among the 22 trade and distribution sub-sectors that have been allowed to operate following several SOP relaxations by the government recently.
With Ops Samar, an inspection approach would be enforced whereby over 2,000 KPDNHEP enforcement officers will go undercover and pose as customers to ensure traders and patrons do not violate the National Recovery Plan (NRP)’s phase one to three SOPs. KPDNHEP Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad commented,
“A total of 22 trade and distribution subsectors have been given permission to reopen effective Aug 16, provided individuals have to be fully vaccinated to use these facilities.”
KPDNHEP Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam.
“The opening of these sectors is a jointly balanced effort and responsibility for the purpose of boosting and reviving the domestic economic ecosystem, however, it is not an uncontrolled freedom for traders to ignore the SOPs that have been set,”
Hasnol further stressed that stern action will be taken against any SOP non-compliance and that Ops Samar would be carried out in customer-focused areas such as malls, eateries, barbershops and other economic sectors that involves the public. He also warned premise owners and customers to ensure that only those who have been fully vaccinated can do activities such as dining in.
The KPDNHEP Secretary-General then gave out a warning to the public,
“What can be said now is that your movements are being observed by the enforcement personnel,”
For illustration purposes.
What do you guys think of this approach taken by KPDNHEP to ensure SOP compliance? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Annuar Musa Defends Himself For Not Wearing Mask At Roadside Stall After Facing Backlash
