Main image via Facebook
With more and more sectors opening up under the Recovery Movement Control Order, many new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been put in place to ensure the public’s safety.
Unfortunately, there are still some who are taking advantage of the newly re-opened sectors and not following the SOPs which has resulted in certain places being ordered to shut down once again.
The latest that has been ordered to close their doors to the public, is Broga Hill.
Image via Flickr
On 15th June, hikers were allowed to return to nature with their favourite activity.
Before reopening, SOPs were issued that stated that hiking was only allowed for day trips and in groups of not more than 20 people.
In the excitement of being allowed to hike once again, throngs of people made their way to popular hiking destination, Broga Hill in Semenyih.
Pictures emerged showing a huge crowd, waiting in line to begin their hike, and not following SOPs.
The Health Ministry has ordered that the Broga Hill recreational area be closed for two weeks – starting from 27th June, due to the non-compliance of SOPs by visitors.
“Of late, there have been many reports in the mainstream media and social media on the lack of compliance among many individuals, companies and industries towards COVID-19 SOPs that have been set,” said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a statement.
“Recently, news that Broga Hill in Selangor was packed with visitors became viral,” he said. “As a result, the Health Ministry has ordered the Broga Hill hiking area to be shut down indefinitely from June 27 in accordance with Section 18 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.”
“The SOPs and new norm that have often been stressed by the government is a form of defence towards the transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” Dr Noor Hisham added.
Image via Facebook
The public has been urged to not take SOPs and new norms lightly.
“The ministry hopes that all the hard work we did all this while to break the chain of the COVID-19 transmission will be continued by all sections of the community,” the director-general added.
Image via Facebook
While it’s definitely great that we’re able to hike again, it’s important to take note of all the SOPs that have been put in place!
Hikers, please be aware of the SOPs and take as much care to follow them thoroughly for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Have you been hiking since it’s been allowed? What SOPs did you notice? Let us know!
Info via The Star