PETALING JAYA: Retailers and entertainment outlets are choosing to increase their workforce to cope with larger crowds, including tourists from China, saying there is no compromise when it comes to public health.
Entertainment establishments have also promised to continue strictly enforcing standard operating procedures set for their sector.
Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) president Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong said its members were looking forward to the return of foreign tourists, especially from mainland China.
“We anticipate their (China tourists) numbers to come back strongly although it may not reach the figures achieved in 2019.
“In line with the influx of consumer activity due to the coming Chinese New Year celebration, MRA members will be offering lucrative offers to customers, including, among others, package deals,” he said.
Safety, he said, was always MRA’s priority, with its employees being required to wear face masks while on duty and undergo Covid-19 tests should the need arise.
Lim said some workers might also have to be recalled for overtime during the coming peak season to cope with the influx of patrons.
“We hope that the government can help resolve worker issues as many of our members are severely shorthanded in major locations,” he said.
Trec KL general manager Kelvin Lam said the entertainment establishment would be beefing up their workforce in anticipation of larger crowds.
“This is to ensure a safer environment for all our patrons here. We anticipate more tourists from China coming to our premises as it has been one of their favourite spots since before the movement control order in 2020,” he said.
Trec KL, Lam said, would not compromise on public health and safety amid fears of a new Covid-19 surge in Malaysia.
“We will continue to comply with the guidelines set by the government. This includes patrons having to show a negative Covid-19 self-test kit result prior to entering any of our premises.
“The results will also be checked by the security appointed by the premise before entry is allowed,” he said.