THE welfare of some 1,200 families in Bayan Baru parliamentary and Batu Uban state constituency is not sidelined during this period of movement control order (MCO).
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said their needs and welfare were prioritised as they received necessary assistance in this challenging period.
He said his office has been relentlessly providing aid, face masks and sanitisers to the constituents.
“I assure everyone here that no one will be left behind during this time but necessary help is channelled to the needy.
“We are doing our best to help everyone and will not let those in need of help to suffer.
“Feel free to come to us if you need any assistance. We would not let anyone starved,” he told Buletin Mutiara when met at Taman Lip Sin Market today.
The MCO, which started on March 18, has been extended until April 14. Many individuals and businesses have been complaining that the MCO has severely affected them.
On a brighter side, the state government had injected a RM75 million stimulus package to assist Penangites.
On the market itself, a check by Buletin Mutiara showed that market-goers had already got used to the social distancing, standing a metre apart from each other.
There were police and RELA personnel manning the entrance of the market.
Sim also emphasised the importance of post-MCO effort if the order is lifted by the middle of this month.
“We still need to make sure that everyone avoids crowded place, practise social distancing and own hygiene.
“All these are basic efforts to curb the virus from spreading,” he added.
Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, who was also present, said the MCO’s compliance rate was acceptable.
He said the Taman Lip Sin Market is one of the busiest markets as it attracts many locals and foreigners.
“I have seen a great improvement in social distancing compared to the previous weeks.
“I hope the people can keep it up even if the MCO is lifted to avoid big crowd in the market,” he added.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee
Video by Alvie Cheng