MIRI: Following reports of coffeeshops, cafes and eateries opening for business with customers sitting inside the premises, Miri Mayor Adam Yii inspected Miri Old Men Street and Miri Times Square on Day One of the movement control order.
“This is no longer allowed for the next 14 days, from March 18 (yesterday) till March 31 under the order imposed by both federal and state governments,” Yii ssaid.
The purpose of the order is to minimise and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The pandemic has caused chaos in China, especially Wuhan, and other countries like Iran and Italy, so a partial lockdown means all non-essential congregations of people is banned except for essential services and goods like medical and sale of food items.
“As for coffee shops, cafes and food outlets, notwithstanding that they are part of the Malaysian culture, they are now not allowed to have customers dining in, and only takeaways are allowed,” Yii stressed.
“Being the first day of enforcing the order, there are understandably some confusion and miscommunication.
“In order to minimise this, I went to brief the council enforcement and explained to them the importance of their role and thank them in this fight against the virus,” he reckoned.
“I highlighted to them the three main points we would be focusing on: Prohibition of sale of live animals in markets or tamu; Food and drink stall operators are permitted to carry out their business in the market but only confined to takeaway food.
“Eating and drinking at the stalls is prohibited; and for bigger markets, must ensure that the mechanism of rotation system is used by opening certain section or stalls to prevent big crowds in the market.
“They in turn reported that they had issued 43 warnings to the various vendors and premises that did not comply with the order,” Yii said.
At the Old Men Street and Miri Times Square areas, most of the vendors and premises complied while some did not.
“But we received a good response and understanding from them after we explained to them the reasons and rationale for the present order,” he said.
Yii also urged the public to exercise self-restraint and stay at home and not to venture out unless absolutely necessary.
“Stay safe for yourself and your family,” he reminded.
“If the order is successful, then we will be able to return to normal life sooner. If it is not successful, the next logical step by the government will probably be a full lockdown, meaning more like a curfew and movement of people is strictly prohibited,” he explained.
“The order will definitely hit business operators and the people hard.
“But for the sake of public health and safety, I trust all of us will understand, cooperate and contribute to the control of the Covid-19 in the world and in Miri in particular.
“Please take care and stay safe,” the mayor added.
