The mixed messages on SOPs are creating confusion and chaos among the industry players.
State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin urged the National Security Council (NSC) to promptly develop a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all industries to avoid spurring public confusion in this critical period.
He said that his department has received overwhelming enquiries from hoteliers who expressed their frustrations due to the lack of clarity in the SOPs for the forthcoming Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) effective from 1 June onwards.
“Although this FMCO is unarguably required to curb the soaring cases in Malaysia, the livelihood of our industry players must also be taken into account. This means giving clear, precise and understandable instructions,” he added.
“According to the published SOPs, hotels are allowed to operate during FMCO for essential purposes upon approval and documents of support from the relevant authorities.
“However, we were notified by our friends from the hotel industry that their enquiries and concerns to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) came to no avail as they have yet to receive any formal letters or replies,” siad Yeoh in a press statement.
He added that proper coordination between the Ministries and authorities is crucial in avoiding confusion and to ensure this FMCO is effective in battling the pandemic’s alarming spread.
“At this point, we need to understand that the pandemic threatens lives whereas weak and unclear SOPs will threaten the livelihood of our industries. The authorities must learn to make clear guidelines after having implemented three MCO since 2020.
“A properly outlined SOP with good clarity will aid the public in comprehension which will in return, contribute to improved public compliance to SOPs as they do not have to act in the dark,” added Yeoh.
Yeoh also said that the one stop centre by MITI which was eventually introduced late evening must deliver its primary duty and role as a coordinating authority for the industries’ approval status.