KOTA KINABALU: The standard operating procedure (SOP) requirement for the fully vaccinated to enter business premises will be enforced in Sabah from Sept 21.

       Sabah has allowed for a week’s extension for the fully vaccinated to be allowed entry to restaurants, coffeeshops, malls and supermarkets, said state Covid 19 spokesman Datuk Masidi Manjun said.

       “We were supposed to implement the requirement from Sept 15 but our fully vaccinated rate is currently only at 52%,” he said.

       Thus, he said a decision was made to defer it till 60% of the adult population are fully vaccinated.

       Masidi said that there were also some delays among employees in the trade and industry sectors as well as coffeeshops and restaurants in getting their second jab.

       Such employers should apply for temporary exemption, he said.

       “The applications must include a list of employees and the dates of their first dose of the vaccination as well as the scheduled dates for their second dose.

       “It should be submitted to the respective local authorities,” he added.