PKR rep organises crowd control measures in Juru wet market

Despite the movement control order (MCO) being in force since Wednesday, March 18, some Penangites are still being seen gathering at food stalls, crowding markets and jogging in parks.

PKR Bukit Tengah assemblyperson Gooi Hsiao Leung has been concerned that public places such as wet markets continue to operate where crowds would gather without any supervision.

To address the issue, Gooi said his office had decided to work with the village development and security council to help organise crowd control steps at the wet market in Juru, Bukit Mertajam.

"This measure is to control overcrowding and enforce social distancing starting today," Gooi said.

Gooi said other measures include limiting the number of people going into the market at any one time to 50.

"We have marked boundary lines one-metre distance for people queuing to enter the market.

"Body temperature checks on all customers are being conducted and free hand sanitisers are provided for all patrons to clean their hands as they enter and leave the market," he said.

The assemblyperson said that fliers are also being handed out advising the public on how to curb the spread of the virus.

"The marketplace will be disinfected on a daily basis to clean the work surfaces and protect the public against viral infections," he added.

Asked if he faced any challenges implementing the measures, Gooi said: "No, the people were very cooperative. So far, this is the only venue we are carrying out the measure."

Local councils in Penang have been going around to conduct checks on eateries and shops that flout the MCO rules which only allow businesses providing essential services as well as food takeaway and delivery to operate.

Gooi said the nation is currently faced with an "unprecedented" national health crisis.

As such, it will require an unprecedented level of effort from all, the government and the public, to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

"All of us have to play our part to protect our family and loved ones." - Mkini