THE Jalan Van Praagh night market traders have resumed their businesses, adhering to
strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
They were allowed to operate on a rotation basis with 119 of the 300 stalls reopening on June 26 after about a three-month long closure due to the movement control order.
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, who visited the night market yesterday (June 26), said the stalls were set up 2m apart according to the social distancing rule.
“The hawkers are required to wear masks while operating by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP),” said Ong after distributing face masks to the hawkers during his visit.
“The organisers of this pasar malam have come up with a system that adheres to the SOPs given by the local council.
“They have check points here where the night market-goers will have to undergo body temperature checks and their particulars collected.
“The hawkers are assisted by the Rela personnel as well as the volunteers from the Pasar Malam Jalan Van Praagh,” said Ong, adding that only takeaways are allowed at the pasar malam.
Meanwhile MBPP councillor Nicholas Theng, who was also present, said the hawkers would operate based on a rotation basis.
“There are a total of 300 stalls here at the Jalan Van Praagh Night Market, so they will have to take turns to operate.
“We can see today that they (hawkers) are strictly following the SOPs and the crowd is also under control,” said Theng, adding that there are a total of 41 night markets in Penang island.
Also joining them was Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who urged the public to continue to be cautious at all times.
“It is important for the public to keep taking precautionary measures so as to prevent the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting