Tesco apologises over age limit 'error'

Hypermarket chain Tesco Malaysia has apologised for the signage put up at one of its stores that prohibited teenagers and senior citizens from entering its premises.

“We wish to apologise for the age limit signs that were put up in error at one of our stores. We want everyone to feel welcomed in our stores and we are very sorry if this mistake has offended our customers.

“As recommended by the Health Ministry, we would like to encourage those most vulnerable among us, especially young children and senior citizens, to stay safe and stay home as much as possible during this ongoing pandemic,” Tesco said in a Facebook post last night.

In its updated guidance, it now says that it welcomes senior citizens into its stores, but discouraged parents from bringing children under the age of 12 inside.

Earlier, pictures of a sign posted at one of Tesco's outlets had been circulated on social media.

The sign read, “Children below 16 years old and adults above 65 years old are not allowed to enter this premise.”

Some netizens pointed out that this may have been done out of concern for senior citizens, since they are susceptible to more severe manifestations of Covid-19.

The government, meanwhile, has been discouraging parents from bringing young children with them to public places and is considering whether to draft laws against this.

The Health Ministry has also discouraged people from bringing elderly persons to public places without proper reasons.

However, others have accused Tesco of age discrimination, while some voiced concern that the restriction would harm elderly people who live independently. - Mkini