Open air dining a great idea, says former deputy minister

 

A family dining al fresco. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye has urged the government to take up former prime minister Najib Razak’s suggestion to allow restaurants to set up tables in the open air while the conditional movement control order (CMCO) is in force

“This is a fantastic idea,” Lee told FMT. “I just hope the National Security Council and the health ministry are bold enough to implement it.”

Najib claimed the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus would be reduced by 20 times if local councils were to allow diners to enjoy their meals in the open space outside restaurant premises.

Lee said the al fresco would reduce the transmission of droplets drastically but he would not verify that the risk could be reduced by 20 times.

Dr Lee Boon Chye.

At present restaurant owners can be fined by local councils if they set up tables outside their premises.

Lee said authorities needed to be flexible in enforcing policies related to Covid-19.

“We are looking at a protracted battle with the virus,” he said. “Therefore, local councils and policy makers must have new approaches in enforcing the law.”

Howver, Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association president T Muthusamy said al fresco dining would be an added burden on restaurant operators.

“There would be many requirements related to hygiene that may not be easy for restaurants to comply with,” he told FMT.

He said he was also worried that overcrowding would occur if operators were allowed to provide tables outside their premises.

Lee said local councils must provide guidelines on the use of public space by restaurants.

He criticised the CMCO rule that restricts restaurants to serving only two or four patrons per table.

“Tables come in different sizes,” he said. “Provide a simpler rule such as a requirement that the distance between chairs must be three feet apart irrespective of the size of the table.”

He also urged restaurants to stop offering self-service buffets. “This is a bad idea as it can cause transmission. Meals in restaurants should be served individually.” - FMT