Review two persons per table ruling: Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The National Security Council (NSC) should consider reviewing the two persons per table ruling at eateries with large tables, says Alliance for Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

He said some restaurants have large tables and even with the one-metre social distancing, it could seat more than two persons.

“It is not practical when a large table accommodates only two persons who are seated two metres apart.

“Adjustment to the ruling is something the NSC should consider, ” he said.

Lee added that the two persons per table ruling had led to absurd situations involving families intending to dine out.

“For instance, for a family of four living in the same house, it would be absurd for their children to sit in separate tables from their parents.

“There is no need to separate them if they are already living in the same house and are healthy, ” he said.

Malaysia Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association President Datuk Ho Su Mong said the SOP to limit the number of diners at eateries was understandable under the present circumstances.

“The most important thing now is to break transmission of the virus through crowd control.

“The smaller eateries and coffeeshops are okay with the two persons per table ruling as they are able to keep up with their business.

“However, the Government should now consider relaxing the ruling for restaurants with large tables, ” he said.