THE level of awareness of social distancing among market-goers at the wet markets in Penang island has been much improved since the movement control order (MCO) was enforced a week ago.
Although there is room for improvement, the Penang government and authorities should be lauded for their efforts in educating the public on the precautionary measures to be taken.
Social distancing, or physical distancing, is a move to reduce transmission of virus from an infected person to another. That is why densely crowded areas is to be avoided.
Many premises, including markets, have practised social distancing with the shoppers or market-goers standing at least a metre apart in a queue.
During a visit to Pulau Tikus market this morning, Buletin Mutiara observed that people fully adhered to social distancing.
They had to undergo a body temperature check and had their hands sanitised before being allowed into the market via only one point and exit via another point.
When met, a housewife, who prefers to be known as only Chew, said more people have now adhered to the regulations imposed.
“I am pleased to see everyone following the order now.
“This is because more people are conscious of the importance of distancing themselves from one and another,” she said.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, when contacted, said more and more people were following the order.
“On our side, we have been working with the market traders’ association to ensure everything works out well.
“The side stalls beside the market have also been ordered to close temporarily until further notice,” he said.
Over at Taman Tun Sardon market in Gelugor, there was also a smaller crowd.
Housewife S. Ranjini, 56, said people have started to get used to the restriction order as they understood the benefits of social distancing.
She expressed hopes that the situation would remain the same in the next few days until the end of the MCO on March 31.
“To me, face mask is not really important but staying a distance away from a packed place helps a lot,” she stressed.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abd Rashid told Buletin Mutiara that continuous enforcement and education are important to check the spread of the coronavirus.
“Everyone needs to play their part to ensure MCO is successfully complied with.
“So far, the market is doing fine and I hope this practice will take place daily.
“We want the best for everyone,” she said.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo had said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) were working hard to see that the people observe the rules at the marketplaces.
The Covid-19 has so far infected 66 people in the state with a death reported.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Chan Kok Kuan