After the government released the Hotspots Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) list, many places including shopping malls, convenience stores and various other premises were ordered to close for three days.
However, the Sabah government has decided not to close three shopping malls listed under HIDE and have allowed the malls to operate as usual.
The three shopping malls involved are Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Karamunsing Complex and Centre Point.
According to Astro Awani, the Minister of Local Government and Housing of Sabah, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said these places would only be closed if a Covid-19 case was detected and after a risk assessment was made.
“Following circulated information related to three shopping complexes listed under HIDE yesterday, the state government decided not to implement the closure of the complexes for three days for sanitation purposes,” he said.
“Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Malaysian Volunteer Department (RELA) will control the entrances and ensure that the number of visitors entering these premises does not exceed the permitted capacity.”
Prior to this, a viral message claimed that the three shopping malls were included in the HIDE list as a precaution against Covid-19 following a crowd of people who went shopping for Hari Raya over the past few days.
Masidi commented on this, advising those who visit shopping malls to continue to increase compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Name registration, wearing face masks, physical distancing as well as hand washing and sanitising should be practiced from time to time,” he said.
Also read: Mid Valley, 1 Utama & More Malls In Klang Valley Closed Following HIDE Announcement
