KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had yesterday announced that dine-ins for restaurants and eateries will be allowed among others may operate under Phase One of the state’s recovery plan beginning Tuesday was unfortunately marred by fake news, said Gee Tien Siong.
Gee, who is Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) vice president and Luyang PPM said the good intentions of the government to revive the food business after a lapse of MCO was spread with fake news by unscrupulous people that Health authorities were issuing summons around the city on restaurant operators for allowing dine-ins.
“This rumour that enforcement officers had issued compounds to operators for allowing dine-ins had caused chaos to these people. Food operators who were busy planning to start their business had to hastily re-tidy, withdrawn their tables and chairs, asking customers to immediately leave their premises after offering takeaways,” said Gee.
“Interestingly, this fake news was circulating virally and significantly in Kota Kinabalu,” he added.
Gee and Yong Yit Jee, who is SAPP supreme councillor and a lawyer together lodged a police report on this fake news at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters today, asking police intervention on this matter.
The Sabah Police Commissioner confirmed that no compound notices were issued for eating in the premises today in a news report. He said the police are waiting for the National Security Council’s SOPs. For now, the police will follow the chief minister’s announcement, the Sabah CP said.
Meanwhile, Gee slammed the irresponsible attitude of Sabah DAP Secretary-General Chan Foong Hin. “As a leader, he did not try to stop the rumours. Instead, he ‘step up’ and openly spread the rumors further by stating that enforcement officers went everywhere, claiming that SOPs had not been issued and warning shops coffee and food vendors to not open businesses,” he said.
Gee advised those with bad intentions to have compassion and stop causing fear and chaos. Instead, all must be aware of the situation we are facing and together we hopefully can get out of this pandemic faster and safely.-pr/BNN
