JOHOR BARU: A total of 77 compound notices were issued by the authorities to business premises here for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pic) said that some 22 inspections were conducted under 'Ops Patuh' on July 1 and 2 involving 120 business premises.

       "A total of 100 factories, 14 shops, three supermarkets and three bus terminals were checked during the operations.

       "Following checks, some 48 compound notices were issued to business owners while 29 were given to workers or customers visiting the buildings.

       "Four of the business premises were also ordered to shut down immediately for major SOP violations," he said in a statement Saturday (July 3).

       He noted that among the offences committed were failing to adhere to the maximum 60% worker capacity rule, misusing permission letters issued by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), failing to adhere to basic Covid-19 SOP and violating conditions set by local authorities.

       "Johor police will continue conducting such operations to ensure compliance towards the SOP to avoid the spread of Covid-19," he said.

       On June 21, the National Security Council (NSC) special meeting decided that the Home Ministry will lead and coordinate all aspects of enforcement related to SOP compliance during Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       The committee, among others, comprises the NSC, Health Ministry, the Armed Forces, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Miti, Local Government Department, the Civil Defence Force and the Road Transport Department.

       Ops Patuh focuses on the enforcement of the SOP at factories and business premises that have been allowed to operate during the first phase of the NRP.