MARKET-GOERS and shoppers in several locations in north Seberang Perai are adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
As Penang enters the seventh day of the movement control order 2.0 (MCO 2.0), several wet markets and shopping malls in north Seberang Perai were more organised.
Penang is one of the states that are being placed under MCO for two weeks, from Jan 13 to Jan 26, along with states like Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Sabah and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve.
Those patronising the Kepala Batas wet market practised physical distancing and wore their face masks. There were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) enforcement officers and Malaysian Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel on duty at the market early in the morning.
The personnel screened the body temperature of the market-goers before allowing them to enter the market. The authorities also controlled the number of people allowed in the market to prevent overcrowding. There was only one entrance and one exit.
Similar situation was also spotted at the Bertam and Pinang Tunggal wet markets.
Meanwhile, fewer shoppers were seen queuing up before entering the Tesco and Sunshine malls in Kepala Batas.
Proper markers were indicated on the floor and temperature screenings were conducted on every shopper. Hand sanitisers were also provided.
In a statement yesterday (Jan 18), MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said the city council had established an MCO compliance action plan to ensure all public markets and wet markets on the mainland adhere strictly to the SOPs. Those who failed to do so could face stern action from the council.
The action plan came after the Health Ministry ordered the Apollo morning market in Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth to be closed for seven days from Jan 17 until Jan 23 for breaching the SOPs.
“MBSP has issued letters to all market organisers to implement strict SOPs. Among them are providing SOP notices (the do’s and don’ts) at the entrance, temperature screenings and providing enough personnel to control the crowd.
“Market-goers must register at the entrance and there should be only one entry and one exit.
“We have also instructed the market organisers to put back the perimeter tape that has been removed by the public.
“Only three to five shoppers are allowed at each stall, and children below age 12 are discouraged from going to the market.
“Everyone has to play a role to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis