Educate public on new regulations and SOPs, says KK MP

By Olivia Miwil - May 13, 2020 @ 4:40pm

Chan urged local council enforcement officers to educate business owners and not to directly penalise them for unintentionally failing to comply with the SOPs issued by the government, especially for first time offenders. — Instagram/mpchanfoonghin

KOTA KINABALU: Local authorities should educate the public and show some leniency to business owners who have just reopened their premises while having to adhere to the new standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Kota Kinabalu member of parliament Chan Foong Hin said the correct way should be by educating them, and only resort to issuing warnings later on.

"I urge local council enforcement officers to educate business owners and not to directly penalise them for unintentionally failing to comply with the SOPs issued by the government, especially for first time offenders.

"Actions such as issuance of fine or closure of business premises should only be taken as a last resort in the event of a business owner repeatedly not complying," he said in a statement.

During a visit today, Chan said that he noticed most shops in the central business district of Kota Kinabalu were still closed.

"Their businesses have definitely been affected, but they understand the actions taken by the government to control the spread of Covid-19.

"This shows most businesses are willing to comply with the SOPs as long as they are clear and unambiguous, and do not involve a great deal of effort and difficulty.

"Even vegetable sellers and hawkers at the central market are complying with the SOPs to the best that they can even when business is slow, presently."