KUALA LUMPUR: Table limit for dine-ins at restaurants will now be based on table capacity with a one-metre physical distancing between diners.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government has decided to loosen the restrictions and patrons will no longer be subjected to the two or four persons to a table rule previously.
"The number of people sitting at a table is now based on the width of a table. As long as there is physical distancing from one another, then we do not have a limit of maximum of four persons to a table anymore.
"In Chinese restaurants for example, a big round table which could fit 10 people in the past, may be cut down to six persons.
"We hear the complaints and views of the people. When we allowed vehicles to its usual seating capacity, a family of six may travel out in their multi-purpose vehicle. So for them it is unreasonable if they have to split to different tables when they dine-in," he said during a press conference today.
The Senior Defence Minister also reminded the people that they should not be negligent to the Covid-19 threat as the pandemic was not over.
He said this following the freedom to travel interdistrict and interstate nationwide, except to Enhanced Movement Control Order areas, from Monday onwards.
Ismail Sabri said the Standard Operating Procedures must be adhered to as people make 'balik kampung' trips or bring their families for a short break where roads are expected to be congested.
"We must abide by the SOP. Our success in fighting Covid-19 is crucial and by following the SOP, aside from protecting ourselves, only then we can change the situation for the better.
"We do not want the increase of people's movement to certain areas to turn disastrous that would led to a possible emrgency of a new cluster.
"Do not forget to always wear face masks, wash hands frequently, practice physical distancing and avoid crowded places. Remember, the best vaccine to combat Covid-19 is ourselves," he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 254 individuals were arrested and compounded yesterday (Dec 8) for violating the Recovery Movement Control Order SOP.
Among others, he said 107 people had flouted the mandatory face mask rule, 67 had failed to provide necessary materials to record visitors details while 66 did not practice physical distancing.
In Ops Benteng, 28 illegal foreigners were detained while a boat and three land vehicles were seized in the multi-agency enforcement operations to safeguard the nation's borders.
He added that from July 24 up to Dec 8, a total of 84,579 Malaysians, returned home.
Currently, there are 12,450 individuals undergoing the 14-day mandatory quarantine at 76 hotels and 19 premises.
"There were 542 individuals who were sent to hospital for treatment while 71,587 were allowed to return home," he added.