As Covid-19 continues to lurk and infect dozens of people, strict SOPs have been set in place and are to be adhered to by citizens so that the chain of infection can be broken. At the same time, it has to be implemented in a fair and reasonable manner.
With that being said, there has been widespread outrage by Malaysians over the authorities’ alleged “selectiveness” in imposing the SOPs.
Yesterday (March 23), a restaurant named GC House was slapped with an RM12,500 compound when two customers failed to scan the MySejahtera QR code before entering its premises.
Owner Alvin Tseu Kiong Sean said that he was initially fined RM50,000 but managed to reduce it to RM12,500 after filing an appeal. The two customers were fined RM750 each.
GC House was only ten days into its operation when it was “gifted” the said compound.
Alvin expressed his frustration over stubborn customers who refused to follow the SOPs and brought unnecessary trouble to law-abiding individuals.
“Though we have strictly followed the rules set by the government, there are customers who still fail to abide by it.”
He also said that the MySejahtera QR could be found on every table and that his staff had been instructed to remind customers to follow the SOPs at all times.
“I really don’t know how to deal with customers that refuse to obey the rules.”
Many netizens sympathised with Alvin’s plight, saying that this was another incident of innocent individuals being punished for something they did not do.
“This is daylight robbery. The fine may spell the end of the business.”
“Not every restaurant can afford to hire someone to stand at the front door to check on customers. Customers should instead take the initiative in following the rules.”
“There are all kinds of people out there, Even simple rules like scanning the QR code, leaving your name and contact number is difficult for them. The ones who truly suffer are business owners who are caught between a rock and a hard place.”
“Just another restaurant having to pay a “business starting fee” before taking off.”
Some suggested that restaurants should follow the example of petrol stations, where one staff will be posted at the front door to ensure full compliance from customers.
What do you think about the fine? Was it unreasonable to punish the owner for the customers’ non-compliance? Tell us in the comments!
Sources: (Sinchew Daily ,FB/Malaysia Sinchew Daily)
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
