COVID-19: Restaurant operators can be compounded if they violate SOP

More stringent action will be taken against any restaurant operator who violates the guidelines including not ensuring social distancing among customers.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said a compound of up to RM1,000 could be served if it was found that the individual was not complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP) prescribed in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

“We look forward to empowering the community, shopkeepers and restaurant operators.

“So, we expect them to implement and comply with the SOP.

“Perhaps if the ministry sees (the matter) while conducting patrols, we will take action by giving a warning or may take action under Act 342, which allows a maximum fine of up to RM1,000," he said at a daily press conference here on Saturday.

He said this when asked to comment on the allegations against restaurant operators who did not ensure social distancing and allowed more than four customers to sit at any one table.

Dr Noor Hisham also said the ministry was not focusing on enforcement but hoped for cooperation from the rest of the country to comply with the SOPs established when dining-in at the restaurants.