KUANTAN: Independent homestay operators and caretakers must be alert when renting their properties out to large groups during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
Since night clubs and entertainment outlets are still barred from operating, some quarters seem to take the opportunity to host private parties at rented homestay units.
Pahang Crime Prevention and Community Security Division chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Salleh reminded homestay operators to be extra vigilant when they receive reservations from big groups especially youths to use their premises.
He said it is the responsibility of the respective premise owners or operator to gather the relevant details from the occupants before renting out the premises.
"Since entertainment outlets are still closed, homestays might be seen as an alternative to host private gatherings. Big groups at private parties could expose attendees to Covid-19 infection as physical distancing would be difficult to enforce.
"Action can be taken against individuals who host or attend private parties and violate the RMCO standard operating procedures(SOP). Offenders can be compounded," he said when contacted.
Abdul Aziz urged those with information on such events to inform the police immediate checks (at the premises) and necessary action could be taken.
He said policemen will be continuously deployed to patrol all districts in the state to ensure the public comply with Covid-19 SOP.
Abdul Aziz was asked to comment on the recent incident in Balok here on Oct 12 when 32 people, aged between 18 and 38 years old, were issued compounds after being caught participating in a private party accompanied by loud music at a homestay.
During the early morning raid, the participants including two foreigners were not wearing face masks and failed to observe physical distancing.
Prior to that, police raided a homestay in Tanjung Lumpur here on Sept 4 where 16 people were issued compounds while on July 20, 19 people were detained at an apartment in Genting Highlands in Bentong.