The Malaysian F&B Operators Alliance (MyF&B), a loose coalition of more than 800 food and beverage operators in the country welcomed the news on the extension of operating hours starting tomorrow.
It, however, is concerned the Movement Control Order (MCO) period in six states and three federal territories has been extended until Feb 4.
Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Kelantan, Sabah, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan’s MCO period was to end on Jan 26 but it has been extended as the number of Covid-19 cases is still high.
Malaysia recorded 3,170 new Covid-19 cases and 12 deaths today.
MyF&B spokesman Joshua Liew said the new ruling would help consumers and food operators.
“The 8pm ruling caused a lot of inconvenience, especially to those who have to work late.
“The previous ruling also made it impossible for food operators to take orders after 7.30pm as they needed time to clean up,” he said.
Liew added that while the new ruling would offer a lifeline to food operators, it would not help those operating from shopping malls.
“People are not visiting shopping malls although they remain open. Eateries at these premises have suffered up to a 70 per cent drop in business,” he said.
He added some food operators ceased operations as the type of food they sell is not suitable for takeaways.
“We are also concerned the MCO has been extended for another nine days. This will certainly hit us further,” he said.