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PETALING JAYA: Small and medium enterprise (SME) associations are calling for a clearer and more comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) in light of further relaxations for several business sectors.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) treasurer Koong Lin Loong said a clearer SOP would minimise the possibility of misinterpretation among consumers, business operators, and the authorities.
“The government should strive to come up with an SOP that is easily understood by all members of society,” he said.
Koong said the government should have active discussions with industry leaders before coming to a final decision on what should and should not be included in the SOP.
“This is especially important considering we are bracing ourselves to enter an endemic situation as mentioned by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, so we should prepare for it with as much clarity as possible,” he added.
SME Association of Malaysia national president Datuk Michael Kang echoed his view that the new SOP would have to be easily understood to ensure a higher compliance rate by all parties.
“Crafting an SOP that is easy to understand also increases the confidence of the public and business operators to go about their daily rounds,” he said.
Both Koong and Kang also said a clear SOP would also enable a gradual return to normalcy for business operators and members of the public.
They also brought up the idea of having two sets of SOPs, with one applying towards all industries such as the basic physical distancing and wearing masks, with a separate SOP targeted at each industry.
Kang added that this would allow industries to self-regulate and properly execute safety measures to ensure the well-being of their customers and staff.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/24/smegroupscall-for-clearer-sop