SEVERAL traders at the Pulau Tikus Market in George Town are hoping that more market-goers will return as the doors were reopened on Oct 11 after being closed for two weeks since Sept 27.
Their optimism stems from the fact that daily new Covid-19 cases have started to decline in the state.
The temporary closure after the detection of Covid-19 cases had largely affected the income of the traders, many of whom are from low-income families and are highly dependent on their businesses at the market to meet their needs.
In a market visit arranged by its assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit today, Buletin Mutiara had the opportunity to speak with market chairman Lee Kok Boon.
“It has really affected our livelihoods. We have no choice but to heed the call by the health authorities.
“After the clearance was given by the health authorities, we became more vigilant and have strictly adhered to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times.
“Although the market has been reopened now, the number of market-goers has declined as there are people who are still worried over their safety.
“All we can do is to ensure the SOPs are maintained at all times.
“The market only closes on the first day of Chinese New Year. Other than that, it operates as usual unless instructed by the authorities,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Another trader selling flowers, who is known as Dharmarajan, said ever since the pandemic struck, the market has been quiet compared to previous years.
“I would say that this is the first time the Pulau Tikus Market has seen a tremendous drop in the number of market-goers.
“We are now hoping that the turnout will slowly increase as the market is now safe to visit,” said Dharmarajan, who speaks fluent Hokkien.
Lum Foon Keow, who sells cooking ingredients, also assured the public that all the traders at the market have been fully vaccinated.
“We are also doing our self-test checks frequently to ensure everyone is safe,” she said.
Sim Hooi Hean, one of the chicken sellers at the market, also concurred with other traders, saying everyone needs to move forward to protect their own livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Ooi Eng Chuan, the owner of Wan Tan Mee House near the market, said his shop has only allowed dine-in recently.
“I believe the people’s confidence in coming back to the market will be restored though it will take some time,” he said.
Lee, meanwhile, hopes the market-goers will return to the market as everything is now under control.
“There are also Penang Island City Council (MBPP) officers manning the entry and exit of the market to ensure SOPs are complied with,” he said, adding that plan to upgrade the market is in the pipeline.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan