PETALING JAYA: At the stroke of midnight tonight, nightclubs and pubs will finally be able to reopen after two years of being shut due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Operators, too, are pleased with the guidelines that were announced by the authorities, saying it will allow patrons to enjoy themselves safely.
Around 8,000 to 10,000 clubgoers are expected to flood TREC Kuala Lumpur for the reopening.
Venue general manager Kelvin Lam said despite this huge number, there will be enough staff to safeguard public health and allow patrons to have a good time.
“All is in order. Manpower is not an issue as it leads to more work opportunities. Our staff are ready to commence work in full force,” Lam said when contacted.
He added that to conform to the protocol stipulated by the government, some premises have improved their ventilation while more sanitation measures are also in place.
Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim said additional manpower would be needed for the resumption of nightlife activities, adding that a shortage of staff was still a concern.
“Recalling former employees and volunteering to do a double shift are some of the ways the issue can be addressed,” he said.
Despite the rule of relaxation on capacity, Lim said some association members will still set a limit of 60% – 70% to give patrons ample space.
“Based on preliminary discussions, many of our members will cap the capacity to provide room to move about,” he said.
Lim, who was among the industry players involved in the protocol discussion with the Health Ministry, urged patrons to use an RTK antigen prior to visiting clubs to prevent long lines at the venues.
He also called on club operators who have yet to upgrade their ventilation system to do so promptly.
“I was told some smaller venues have already done it or are in the process of doing it,” he said.
On Thursday, the Housing and Local Government Ministry announced the protocol for the reopening of nightclubs and pubs.
The guidelines include patrons needing to test using an RTK antigen 24 hours before entering the premises.
The full standard operating procedure (SOP) for nightclubs and pubs is available on the National Security Council website and will take effect from today.
Meanwhile, party-goers said they were excited at the return of nightlife.
Engineer Danny Jalius, 26, said his group of friends started discussing night outings as soon as the announcement was made.
“But we will monitor the situation for a week or two first,” he said.
He said that the SOP should be followed strictly as it was drafted to keep patrons safe.
A pharmacy student who wished to be known only as Joewei said she was also looking forward to enjoying nightlife with her friends again and has already planned an outing.
“Our main concern is irresponsible individuals coming to the nightclub despite being unwell.
“Making patrons show a negative Covid-19 test result prior to entry will help allay fears of an outbreak and create a safe environment for everyone,” she said.
Matthew, a marketing executive, said he was not particularly excited about the reopening of clubs.
“Prior to the lockdown, I frequented bars and clubs weekly to wind down after a long work week.
“Since they were not allowed to operate during the lockdown, I found alternative ways to release stress,” he said, while adding that he will still accept an invitation from friends.