BUSINESSES are resuming steadily in Little India which came to a standstill for a few weeks due to the movement control order (MCO) that started on March 18.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was on the ground today to check on the situation in Little India while distributing face masks in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.
He was accompanied by Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Chulia Street Village Community Management Council (MPKK) volunteers.
“From what we can see here is that, almost 60 percent of the traders have resumed their businesses.
“They (traders) are preparing themselves with regard to the reopening their businesses and were also seen practising social distancing which is our new norm of life.
“I feel that most of the traders are being cautious concerning the public health as well as their businesses,” said Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman.
He also advised the traders to be patient for their business to pick up as more sectors are being allowed to operate.
“It will take time for the public to have confidence to come out and visit shopping premises in places such as at Little India as well as elsewhere.
“The most important thing right now is following the precautionary measures and good hygiene practice as we do not want emergence of any new cases.
“We will keep monitoring the situation ‘tightly’ and it is hoped that the government will have a clear picture pertaining to the future once the conditional MCO is over,” added Chow.
Speaking on a separate matter, Chow said that the state government would be lighting up the Komtar tower in red today and tomorrow in conjunction with the ‘International Nurses Day’ which will be celebrated tomorrow (May 12).
“As a gesture of honouring the contribution of the nurses in Penang as well as Malaysia and also around the world, the Komtar tower will be illuminated in red tonight and tomorrow (8pm to 12am).
“This is for all the sacrifices that they have done in our fight against the Covid-19 outbreak. Red signifies the act of bravery of the frontliners in the medical field.
“It also shows our highest gratitude towards the nurses and the all medical personnel,” said Chow.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan
