PETALING JAYA: After being locked down for 790 days, the country’s bars and pubs finally reopened for business on Sunday, with around 30% to 40% of operators reopening their shops on the first day and doing unexpectedly good business.

Restaurant and Pub Owners Association (PPRB) vice president Jeremy Lim told Sin Chew Daily based on the feedback from industry operators, many of the visitors at the pubs were Singaporeans entering the country for holiday during the long weekend.

Unexpectedly good

He said business on the first day of reopening was beyond the association’s expectation although it was still way off pre-pandemic levels.

He admitted that only around 30% to 40% of night clubs and pubs reopened on Sunday while others were still busy with renovations.

“I hope more will reopen over the next few weeks.

“As a matter of fact, we do not only provide entertainment, but also create job opportunities for Malaysians.”

Lim said most of the patrons at pubs and bars did put on their face masks and take the RTK-Ag tests within 24 hours before entering the premises, although some were confused about the SOPs.

Of the association’s approximately 500 members, about 65% to 75% have liquor sale licences.

Spot checks by enforcers

Meanwhile, Industries Unite co-founder Datuk David Gurupatham said some pub operators claimed that they were visited by enforcement officials on the first day of reopening to make sure patrons complied with the SOPs.

“I heard the enforcement officials visited the pubs but I have yet to verify it.”

He reminded owners of pubs and bars to strictly adhere to the SOPs and make sure their customers show their RTK-Ag test results before entering the premises.