THE state government will make an in-depth study before allowing customers to dine-in at food outlets in Penang, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“The most frequently asked question is when will the state government give permission for dining in at food and beverages premises in the state.
“We will have to conduct checks at all the food outlets as well as look into the standard operation procedure (SOP) given by the Health Ministry before making a decision on this.
“The state government will announce its decision pertaining to this after holding the State Security Special Committee (JKKN) meeting on May 12.
“We have to take into consideration on how well are we prepared so as to allow dining-in at food outlets,” said Chow during his visit to the 1st Avenue Mall this evening.
He added that the local authorities would also look into this matter and give their recommendations as well.
Also accompanying him during the visit were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Chow was at the 1st Avenue mall to conduct a check on its first day of operation (officially) after shutting down due to the enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) since March 18.
According to 1st Avenue Mall Leasing and Marcom manager Chong Sue Ann, the mall has allowed all the businesses in the mall to operate except for the entertainment, beauty products and hair salon outlets.
“Since the MCO was implemented, we only allowed the food and beverages outlets to operate for takeaways.
“But now, we have decided to allow other businesses for instance, fashion, to resume their operations with some conditions. Shoppers are not allowed to try out the outfits.
“We also collect information of those customers who walk into the food outlets for takeaways, including those food delivery riders, as a precautionary step,” said Chong.
Prior to visiting the outlets in the mall, Chow was briefed on the SOPs practised by 1st Avenue Mall to ensure a safe environment.
According to the mall’s operation manager Soo Chooi Leang, 1st Avenue has been following safety measures such as practice of good hygiene whereby all floors are sanitised.
“We also take up protective measures, for instance by checking the body temperature of the shoppers before they enter the mall, wearing face masks and practising social distancing.
“Apart from that, we also have guidelines for the food and beverages outlets to collect customers’ information,” said Soo, adding that they also have guidelines concerning maintenance and technical matters.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Chan Kok Kuan
