No limit to diners per table, says MCA president

Wee Ka Siong says restaurateurs have complained of unclear guidelines on the number of dine-in customers allowed.

PETALING JAYA: MCA president Wee Ka Siong said Putrajaya is not imposing any limits on the number of diners sitting at a table in restaurants, allaying public confusion over the matter.

“If a table can sit 10, then 10 people will be allowed at that table, with social distancing being practised by the customers.”

His Facebook post came after a meeting with representatives from the Ku Su Shin Choong Hung Association and the Restaurant Keepers Association of Selangor and the Federal Territories.

Wee, who is also transport minister, assured restaurateurs that he would be bringing up their request to hold gatherings, including wedding banquets, with the government.

He said restaurateurs had complained of unclear guidelines on the number of dine-in customers allowed and whether senior citizens and young children can dine at their establishments.

He said this has led to confusion and customers were apprehensive about eating at restaurants, resulting in bookings being cancelled.

Customers of all ages are allowed to dine in so long as restaurants enforce the standard operating procedures (SOPs), Wee said.

He said this included taking down customers’ personal details, checking body temperatures of both staff and customers, providing hand sanitisers and practising social-distancing.

“The food and beverage industry is an important pillar of the country’s economy. Restaurant operators must cooperate and follow the SOPs set by the government, including sanitisation and observing proper hygiene when handling food and ingredients. Practising these SOPs will help regain customers’ confidence.” - FMT