Malls In Batam Are Open, Visitors Don't Need To Show Vaccine Certificates

BATAM - Shopping centers in Batam City, Riau Islands are allowed to operate again in line with the implementation of the Level 3 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) policy.

"Malls are allowed to operate again in Batam", said Head of the Batam City Culture and Tourism Office, Ardiwisata, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, August 10.

He said in the new policy, residents can visit the mall without having to show a certificate of having undergone vaccination.

"But still with the implementation of strict health protocols", said Ardi.

In the Circular Letter of the Mayor of Batam Number 45 of 2021, it is stated that activities at shopping centers are limited to operating hours until 20.00 p.m. local time.

The number of visitors who come is also limited to a maximum of 50 percent, with the implementation of stricter health protocols.

Still, in the same Circular Letter (SE), eating and drinking activities in public places are also regulated. For food stalls, warteg, street vendors, hawker stalls, and the like may be open until 22.00 p.m., with health protocols.

"Eating on the spot is allowed for 30 minutes", said SE from Batam Mayor Muhammad Rudi.

Then, for small-scale restaurants and cafes that are in their own location, they can serve meals on the spot with a capacity of 50 percent, as well as receive take-away services.

Meanwhile, restaurants, cafes with a medium and large scale which are located in their own location or in shopping centers, only accept take-out services. Do not serve dine-in.

The SE stipulates that business actors, restaurants, and shopping centers that do not implement the provisions will be subject to administrative sanctions up to business closure in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Anyone who violates the provisions for controlling infectious disease outbreaks can be subject to sanctions in accordance with the Criminal Code articles 212 to 218, Law no. 4 of 1984 concerning infectious disease outbreaks, Law No. 6 of 2018 concerning health quarantine and regional regulations.