ROADSIDE stalls selling any ‘fresh’ items, including food and fruits outside the Air Itam Market, should be given the priority to operate daily instead of on a rotating basis.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng told the media that those stalls selling perishable goods, like spice and herbs, fruits, poultry and other items, should be given the privilege to carry out their business every day.
“I’ve spoken to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on this matter and requested the authorities to allow them to conduct their business on a daily basis.
“This is important as certain perishable items could last for a few days. So, it is important to allow these traders to operate.
“However, some non-food stalls, selling clothes and other items, are allowed to operate on a rotation basis,” he told reporters after inspecting the Air Itam market this morning.
Checks at the market showed that some market-goers were lining up in a proper manner before entering the market in the ongoing conditional movement control order (CMCO).
Roadside stalls outside the Air Itam Market have been allowed to operate partially with a strict social distancing measure.
Ng also expressed his gratitude to the council officers, police and those involved in manning the traffic flow at the market area.
He said half of the 140 registered stalls were permitted to operate for a few days a week, adding that they would take turns according to the council’s schedule.
On the social distancing measure, Ng pointed out that the traders and market-goers need to cooperate between themselves to ensure both sides adhere to it.
On suggestion by one of the traders that the roads in Air Itam be converted into one-way, Ng said it was not an ideal move as it would inconvenience the residents.
Also present was MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Meanwhile, the round-the-clock roadblocks set up beside the Air Itam police station and the Jalan Kampung Pisang-Jalan Paya Terubong junction to prevent overcrowding at the Air Itam Market area since March 30 has now been shortened from today. The roadblocks are from 6am to 12 noon.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee