IPOH: With the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) coming into force in Perak today, restaurant operators here are relieved that more than two people can now dine-in at the same table.
Famous nasi ganja eatery owner, Mohamed Nihmathullah Syed Mustaffa, 58, said that the move is proof that the government is open to listening to and engaging with business owners.
Mohamed said his income had dropped by 50 per cent during the second implementation of the MCO in the state, as most of his patrons are from outside Ipoh.
"Now, we allow only four people to sit at a table that could fit six people previously, and only two people are allowed to sit at a table for four. We prohibit customers without face masks from entering the shop.
"I am happy that the government now allows more than two persons at a table, but as my business depends primarily on tourists from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah and Selangor, interstate travel is crucial," he said.
He added that on the first day of the restriction relaxation today, he noticed that there was an increase in customers at the restaurant by 60 per cent, compared to only 40 per cent during the MCO.
"The relaxation is a good move, but the public should not take the Covid-19 pandemic less seriously.
"I also hope that this pandemic will end soon because everyone is suffering. For eateries, we have to think of how to pay our monthly rental, staff salaries, taxes and so on," he added.
Meanwhile, M. Kelvinraj, 21, who has been running his family's business Cendol Wawasan, said the decision shows that the government prioritises the people's welfare and interests.
"We run a restaurant, and there is a huge difference in sales when there is a limitation on customers when dine-in is allowed.
"During the MCO, my sales dropped by 50 per cent and most of my customers are from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Kedah.
"I am thankful that I am still able to do business during this pandemic and the customers fully understand the SOPs and they have no problem following them," he said.
Yesterday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said table limits for dine-ins at restaurants would now be based on table capacity, as long as the one-metre physical distancing rule is observed.
Ismail said the government had decided to relax the restrictions, and patrons would no longer be subject to the two or four persons to a table previously.