MARKETGOERS and hawkers at the Bagan Ajam Market near Butterworth could be seen strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Previously, a section of the Bagan Ajam Market involving the food complex and pork section was closed more than a week after a Covid-19 cluster was found there.
The whole market was fully reopened on May 28 after the sanitisation works were completed and the traders had undergone Covid-19 swab tests.
A check by Buletin Mutiara at the wet market today found that there were fewer marketgoers doing their groceries.
They practised physical distancing as well as wore face masks while at the marketplace.
It is also noticed that security at the market also has been intensified with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) enforcement officers on a constant watch for overcrowding and other violations of the SOPs.
Barbed wires have also been placed around the market to prevent trespassing and to ensure marketgoers only use the designated entrance and exit points.
A few stalls in the food complex and pork section have, however, opted to shutter their business for the time being.
The MBSP enforcement officers only allowed a certain number of people to enter the market at any one time to prevent overcrowding.
For fishmonger Chayu Jia Huei, 40, he said he noticed that since the market has been reopened, the majority of the customers did not let their guard down where SOP compliance was concerned.
“I think the people are more cautious now because of the Covid-19 cases detected in the market last month.
“And they are trying their best to follow the SOPs which is good for everyone.
“If I see a customer not following the SOP such as not wearing a face mask properly or keeping a safe distance from each other, I will advise the individual.
“After all, we cannot risk the market from getting closed again because it will affect our businesses here,” said Chayu, who has been in the business for 10 years.
A 38-year-old kuih seller, Sie Siew Thin said not many customers showed up at her stall today.
“It has been like this since the market reopened. I guess the people are still afraid to come here.
“But MBSP will not allow us to reopen our stalls if the situation is not safe yet.
“Everyone of us in the food complex section also had undergone Covid-19 swab tests. So, there is nothing to worry about. It is safe here,” she said.
MBSP councillor Tan Chee Teong said 11 stalls at the food complex and pork section have been allowed to reopen after all the traders tested negative in their second swab test.
“Besides that, the market also is sanitised every single day by the MBSP workers and the Bagan Ajam Voluntary Fire Brigade.
“There is also no positive Covid-19 case recorded in the last seven days.
“So, I can say that the situation at the market is under control and safe now.
“I also would like to remind marketgoers and hawkers to continue to follow the SOPs to prevent any new cluster from emerging,” he said when contacted today.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad