MELAKA: The Chief Minister has asked convenience stores and restaurant operators in Ujong Pasir here not to jump to any conclusion after several residents from the Portuguese Settlement had to undergo the Covid-19 swab tests.
Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (pic) said this in wake of frustrations by some residents claiming that they were not allowed to enter the premises.
He said it was unfair to stereotype the community by barring them from entering business premises after a few of them tested positive for the virus.
“Not all from the Settlement have tested positive for Covid-19.
“Please stop being unfair to those who are healthy and follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) by having them scan the MySejahtera to enter the premises,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (July 20).
He said it was wrong to make assumptions that everyone at the Settlement was positive for Covid-19.
“We must be more compassionate during this pandemic without sidelining anyone, just because someone from that locality tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.
The state government, said Sulaiman, would embark on immediate remedial measures if the situation in the Settlement get too serious.
He said he would also ask assistance from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to investigate the allegations that some residents were not allowed into business premises.
On Tuesday, Portuguese community leaders have voiced their concerns claiming that business premises were not allowing residents to buy groceries after mass Covid-19 swab tests were conducted at the Settlement on Saturday (July 17).
They said even those not wearing the Covid-19 wristbands were allegedly barred from entering the business premises.
Several of the residents also vented their frustrations on Facebook.
