Defiant Sibu Jaya smoke house operators may get licence revoked

A smoke house stall in Sibu Jaya

SIBU, July 10: Operators of smoke house (barbeque stall) have been warned that their licence will be revoked if they fail to comply with the standard operating procedure of Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

This come after two operators and 12 customers in Sibu Jaya were fined RM1,000 each for violation of the SOP by not observing social distancing on July 8.

They were caught by a police RMCO enforcement team led by Sibu district deputy police chief, Supt Collin Babat.

Giving this warning was Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai who said that the act of violating the SOP throughout RMCO is an offence and those caught could also face legal action according to the law.

He said the SOP is a set of guidelines for the people to follow so as to ensure the health and safety of the public without compromising with any party that does not comply with the law.

Sempurai regretted the two stall operators and their customers for their action which could expose them to the deadly Covid-19. There are 12 smoke houses in Sibu Jaya.

He said a special committee consisting of smoke house traders was set up to help report any activities and problems these traders faced while the council helps to provide sites, facilities besides ensuring they comply with the terms and conditions as stipulated in their license.

“Our objective is to help people in Sibu Jaya who are interested in doing business at the same time improve  their socio-economic income,” he said.

He noted that smoke house business which offers various types of barbecue food is currently receiving encouraging response and is also a tourist attraction.

“Therefore, all traders should appreciate the flexibility provided by following the instructions and recommendations issued from time to time,” he urged.-DayakDaily