In a joint statement representing their group, they said that if the government allowed them to impose such a condition, it would create a safe environment for shoppers.

“This will improve the chances for revival and survival of retail businesses which have been severely affected by recent closures,” they said.

“We wait with anticipation on what the prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) will announce for those who have completed two doses of the vaccine,” they said, referring to the prime minister’s statement yesterday on soon-to-be-announced benefits for fully vaccinated people.

Muhyiddin had said the “breathing room” for the fully vaccinated would be in the form of relaxed restrictions on travel, social activities, sports and dining-in at restaurants.

The retail operators also said they hoped the government would allow tenants and shoplots at malls to reopen when the country’s herd immunity reaches 70%.

“We hope to become a ‘green bubble’ for those seeking relief after being cooped up for a long time,” they said, adding that this would also encourage more people to get vaccinated.

The group comprises members of the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), Bumiputera Retailers Organisation (BRO), Malaysia REIT Managers Association (MRMA), and Malaysian Association of Theme Park and Family Attractions (Matfa).