By William Isau
SIBU, Jan 4: Sarawak Central Region Hotels Association chairman Loh Leh Chai is disappointed with the unpleasant behaviours of some enforcement officers who conducted raids at hotels.
He said some hotels in Kapit and Sibu have encountered the issue of surprise raids or searches in the wee hours by the so-called government departments or agencies.
“They, not accompanied by female officers, came without uniforms and search warrants. They demanded for keys to open up all the rooms.
“If the counter staff failed to comply, they threatened to handcuff and arrest them. Some even took away trade licenses and forced open the room. Their behaviour was rude,” he said in a statement today.
Loh said the association welcomes the government’s efforts to eradicate illegal activities conducted in hotel rooms but proper standard operating procedure (SOP) should be strictly adhered to.
He said while surprise raids are being conducted, they should not affect the recovery of hotel businesses after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Association fully supports the government’s efforts to promote the tourism industry in the country, especially in the central region of Sarawak.
“Therefore we will assist in whatever way we can to eradicate illegal activities carried out in hotel rooms,” he assured. — Dayakdaily
