MARKET-GOERS patiently waited for their turn while officers diligently checked the body temperature of each person entering the Farlim market in Bandar Baru Air Itam.
A special lane was also created for senior citizens and the disabled who wished to buy their groceries and food products at the market.
Bandar Baru Air Itam police station chief Sub-Inspector Abdul Majid Abdul Gaffor said the situation at the market has improved.
“The public are more aware of the movement control order (MCO) and the need to stay at home.
“Market-goers are following orders and practise social distancing. We urge them to stand at least one metre apart from each other,” he said when met at the market today.
Several policemen, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement officers, Village Community Management Council members from Paya Terubong Tengah, Sri Relau, Medan Angsana and Paya Terubong jointly managed the crowd at the market.
Paya Terubong Tengah MPKK member T.L. Ng said the crowd started to build up as early as 7.30am.
“We only allowed about five to 10 people to enter the market at any one time. We have officers who monitor the number of people in the market and make sure that market-goers practise social distancing.
“We also conduct body temperature screening outside the market and use hand sanitisers to maintain cleanliness,” Ng said.
The Malaysia Information Department also made several announcements, urging people to obey the MCO, via loud hailer from a van at the market.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin thanked the police, MBPP, and the MPKK members for the excellent service to the Paya Terubong community.
“Paya Terubong has one of the most number of residents. Despite that, the situation here is being controlled very well by our officers,” Yeoh said.
He urged the public to continue to obey the MCO, practise good personal hygiene and social distancing.
There were also fewer people taking the public bus services.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting and Christopher Tan
