Nanta: Random checks to ensure people abide by two-hour limit when shopping - The Star Online
PUTRAJAYA: Random enforcement checks will be conducted at popular retail outlets to ensure shoppers abide by the two-hour shopping limit, said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic) however said as the ministry has a limited number of enforcement officers, the onus is on the public to practice self-control and reduce their time spent shopping.
“The ministry only has about 2,200 enforcement officers nationwide, so we will conduct random checks at places that are popular with shoppers,” he said.
Nanta added that the government hopes shoppers practice self-control and manage how long they spend shopping.
“Abide by the two-hour limit. This cooperation is important for us in our battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, ” said Nanta.
He said this on Monday (May 24) at a virtual press conference when announcing the price control scheme for this year’s Hari Kaamatan and Hari Gawai festive period.
On Sunday, the ministry announced that from Tuesday (May 25), people would only be allowed to shop at retail premises including malls for a maximum of two hours.
This is part of the tightened standard operating procedures (SOP) introduced by the government under the current movement control order.
Nanta said enforcement officers and premises owners will be able to see how much time a shopper has spent at a place through MySejahtera check-in records.
“Every time you check-in using MySejahtera, the exact time is recorded up to the second. Premises owners can use this and they can advise their customers to adhere to the two-hour limit that has been set, ” said Nanta.
To a question if parents should be banned from bringing children shopping, Nanta said it will only be an advisory as some parents may have genuine reasons.
“We do not encourage parents to bring children shopping. However, there are instances of single parents who have no one to leave their children with,” he said.
“If you have someone to look after your children while you go out to shop, it is better to leave them behind, ” added Nanta.
To another question asking if people are allowed to hang out in their vehicles while eating takeaway food, Nanta said the government had not allowed this under the current MCO SOPs.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the Hari Kaamatan price control scheme will take effect for seven days from May 27 to June 2 in Sabah and Labuan.
As for the Hari Gawai scheme, it will be enforced from May 28 to June 3 in Sarawak.
The minister said 11 items have been placed under price control, and they include chicken, beef and pork.
Individuals found guilty of selling the items beyond the ceiling prices can be fined up to RM100,000, or jailed up to three years, or both.
Companies caught for the same offence can be fined up to RM500,000.