In a statement today, she said six e-hailing delivery riders had complained that they were compounded at two different locations while eating at an open field by the side of the road.

She said their compounds stated that they had to go to the district health office to pay the amount.

“I appeal to enforcement officers to exercise discretion, and understand the reality out there. Their (delivery riders) income is not enough to pay compounds,” she said.

“Maybe a warning or reminding people on guidelines and appropriate SOPs would be more considerate compared to giving compounds.

“We want to fight Covid-19, but this has to be done while educating and considering the groups who struggle and work hard to earn an honest living,” she added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Trades Union Congress deputy president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said the SOPs in these cases are not very clear, causing confusion among both workers and enforcement authorities.

“There is no consistency about instructions. The government can release blanket instructions, but they must be detailed. Where can workers eat? Where can’t they eat?

“Many workplaces have no cafeterias or pantries for their staff. Where are these workers supposed to eat? The workers must at least be allowed to use the tables and chairs,” he added.

Sabah police chief Hazani Ghazali said yesterday eateries must provide a special enclosed area where their employees can eat during the movement control order.

He said the authorities will have no choice but to issue fines to those caught eating or drinking in the open and exposed to the public.