By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 7: The State Disaster Management Committee has been called to formulate strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for businesses to follow during the Control Movement Control Order (CMCO) period.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa branch chairman Wilfred Yap believed that it was important for businesses to adhere to stringent SOPs in order to curb the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in the workplace.
“Restarting our economy is important but SDMC must prioritise lives over livelihoods.
“A recent survey carried out by the Department of Statistics Malaysia indicated that the public was ready to continue with current safeguards during the movement control order even after the MCO is lifted.
“The said survey carried out from April 10 to 24 found that 92.9 per cent or 38,455 (out of 40,000) respondents said they were prepared to adopt such safety measures after the MCO ends,” he said in a statement.
Yap opined that the authorities must be strict in the enforcement through hefty fines and even closure of errant businesses as deterrents of non-compliance with SOPs for businesses after MCO.
As for enforcement, Yap stated that SDMC could look into imposing fines for first-time offenders who violated CMCO while serious and repeat offenders should be charged in court.
He noted the punishment would ensure a fairer penalty for offenders when currently, different sentences or penalties were being meted out for the same offence committed under MCO.—DayakDaily
