BUSINESS operators in Teluk Kumbar are strictly abiding by the standard operating procedures (SOP) following a recent Covid-19 case reported in the area.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz said business premises are seen taking the necessary steps to enforce the SOPs while the residents there have also a good sense of awareness of the situation.
He added that the situation has caused business to slow down as many of the traders have opted not to operate as usual.
“They are being cautious and perhaps we will have to wait until they regain their confidence before resuming their businesses,’’ Azrul told the Buletin Mutiara team in light-hearted conversation today.
“The news that one of the residents in the neigbourhood had contracted the virus spread very fast and also stirred panic among other residents.
“We were in the midst of reviving the business over here (Teluk Kumbar) till we received the bad news. We were all shocked and terrified.
“Now, the restaurants are quite empty while the hawker stalls here are the most affected. People prefer to cook at home and stay safe,’’ he said.
Azrul said the official information on the pandemic and updates disseminated quickly would help the public to stay alert of the current situation.
“A delayed information would often mislead the people and cause the spreading of fake news which would strike fear among the residents.
“The family members of the current active case in Teluk Kumbar tested negative in their first screening and are now awaiting the result of their second screening,” Azrul added.
The atmosphere in Taman Sahabat where one of the residents was tested positive for Covid-19 was pretty quiet when the Buletin Mutiara team, along with Azrul, visited the area this morning.
Many of the businesses were closed, except for a few stalls.
Azrul said the business operators nearby the flats at Taman Sahabat had also undergone the Covid-19 test.
One of the traders, Samsudin Pillai Abdullah, 56, appealed to the state government to help out business operators like him as their income has been badly affected.
“People are frightened with what had happened in this neighbourhood recently. Our businesses are now in a bad shape.
“I would appreciate if the state government could give us some incentive to help us with our livelihood,’’ said Samsudin, who has been selling meat for almost 25 years.
Another trader, Khoo Phaik Hong, 57, who sells snacks in Taman Sahabat, said she has to be resilient and keep her fingers crossed that all would turn out well for her.
“My income has been affected but I have to stay strong and be optimistic,’’ said Khoo when interviewed by the Buletin Mutiara team.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud