The Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCSPGA) has called on the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to clarify the ruling that those already permitted to operate during the movement control order (MCO) may resume full operations.
The association also responded to Miti Minister Azmin Ali's statement yesterday by asking him to consider allowing F&B outlets to operate on the "one diner one table" rule and to resume the sale of beer and cigarettes.
"Clarifications are needed on whether the latest announcement applies also to eateries including coffee shop operators which is an important essential sector to meet the needs of people," said the association in a statement today.
Ho Su Mong, who is president of MSCSPGA, which represents 20,000 coffee shop operators nationwide said: “Yesterday's announcement would be critical for the survival of many businesses as well as safeguarding the economy at large."
He said that the announcement was unclear if eateries in general including coffee shops can operate at full capacity and without time restrictions. Thus far they have been allowed to operate with limited hours for takeaways only while dine-in customers are not permitted.
"In addition, most states have different restrictions on opening hours for all businesses and it is unclear how the latest announcement would be synchronised with the operating hours fixed by the different state governments," Ho said.
Earlier this week, MSCSPGA urged the government to relax some regulations for eateries during phase 4 of the MCO, including flexible operation hours for eateries.
Other suggestions include the "one customer per table" rule.
“We continue to urge the government to consider our suggestion to allow customers to dine-in based on the ‘one customer per table’ rule.
"The coffee shop businesses have seen significant impact since the MCO was enforced," he added.
He said while takeaways and deliveries are allowed, there are less customers.
"This suggestion of having one customer per table rule practices social distancing with no close physical contact while at the same time helping to mitigate impact to eateries' businesses,” he said.
He called for more flexibility for the business particularly when there was no clear indication how much longer the MCO would be in place. The first phase began on March 18, and it has currently been extended to a fourth phase which will last until May 12.
He also highlighted that coffee shops are an important retail point for beer and cigarettes and urged the ministry to consider allowing them to resume their sales.
"Our customers have sought to purchase the products but disruption of supplies for beer and cigarettes means we are deprived of income crucial to coffee shop owners during this difficult period.”
“Worst are the illegal operators taking advantage of the situation where smuggled cigarettes are sold online and delivered to customers who are unable to obtain the products from coffee shops.
"We hope the government will allow distribution of legitimate cigarettes and beers to coffee shops which will help to mitigate the impact to coffee shop businesses and at the same time contributes billions of taxes to the government," Ho added. - Mkini
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