The Health Ministry recently illustrated how shopping mall operators should disinfect surfaces such as escalators and handrails, trollies, doorknobs and lift buttons frequently.
KOTA KINABALU: Shopping malls in the city centre are currently implementing related preventive measures for the health and safety of their patrons amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Manager of 1Borneo Hypermall, Kelvin Lim said the management team had pledged its best endeavour to provide a safe environment for the hypermall’s shoppers.
“We have requested the hypermarkets and other outlets to disinfect constantly their shopping trolleys and baskets.
“We also get our cleaners to increase their frequency of cleaning and disinfect all wash hand basins, door knobs in the toilets, wipe and disinfect all the lift buttons and handrails of the escalators.
“Our maintenance team also increased the frequency of getting the air vents cleaned up too and finally we will provide hand sanitizers at the concierge,” he said.
Recently, the Health Ministry had illustrated how shopping mall operators should disinfect surfaces such as escalators and handrails, trollies, doorknobs and lift buttons frequently.
“Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with hand sanitiser.
“Keep a distance of 1m (from others) if you have symptoms, or notice anyone else showing symptoms. Put on a mask if you are symptomatic,” it added.
In a press statement, Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK) suggested thermal scanners to screen mall management and operations staff, including personnel of suppliers and business outlets.
It also called for cooperation from the public to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all malls.
Suria Sabah, although it didn’t instal thermal scanners it has implemented additional hygiene and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of shoppers, tenants, vendors and staff.
It’s leasing manager Tan King Way when contacted yesterday said this included increasing the frequency of cleaning works on items that had more frequent points of contact, as suggested by PPK.
When asked if there were any changes in terms of numbers of visitors to the mall due to the outbreak, Tan said there had been a drop in China tourists.
“We don’t have exact numbers… but since China flights (were) temporary banned… so there’s a drop in China tourists.
“However, we will have some plans to be announced soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Imago Shopping Mall, one of the first malls in Malaysia, to undertake a property-wide professional disinfection upon receiving news of the outbreak, made an extra effort by giving special rate to its existing tenants according to a notice posted to its Facebook page.
“Rental for all existing tenants will be halved for the period from February 1 to March 31,” the notice stated.
When contacted by The Borneo Post, the management said the announcement was simply doing what a responsible landlord should be doing.
“At this moment, our top priority is to fulfil our duties and responsibilities while working through these times together with our tenants for the best outcome.
“We wish all media personal to be extra vigilant during this Covid-19 period and to take care of their health since they are always going around for news,” it said.
In the same post, Imago also pointed out that the management was not afraid to suspend certain concierge services such as wheelchair, shopping trolleys and baby strollers to prevent the possibility of cross-infection in the interest of its patrons and customers.
“We stepped up the cleaning of our ventilation and air-conditioning system (VAC). We even provided additional automatic hand sanitisers at Imago entrances.
“We increased our inspection frequencies of all our amenities and ensure they are in the best condition possible. Most important of all, we are here to provide the best environment for your business to thrive,” it said.
Tourism and business players in the city centre have started to feel the pinch from the mass absence of tourists, especially from China.
The Borneo Post recently reported that some of the players, who are depending on the China market, said that their sales had dropped up to 70 per cent following the state government’s ban against all incoming direct flights from China to the state since January 30.
Many expressed their dissatisfaction, but understand that prevention is better than cure.