Large crowds raise safety fears

© Provided by The Star Online The roadside stalls operating along Jalan Yaacob Latiff in Cheras are about a metre apart, in compliance with social distancing guidelines. —SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

ROADSIDE stalls operating in the evening along Jalan Yaacob Latiff in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, are drawing large crowds, which may result in close contact among customers and traders, thus increasing the risk of Covid-19 spreading.

A check by StarMetro found at least 15 stalls operating there and they were set about one-metre apart.

The atmosphere was similar to that of a Ramadan bazaar, with crowds lining up for their orders for buka puasa and cars parked haphazardly along the road shoulder.

While many customers were seen complying with social distancing guidelines and queued orderly in front of the stalls to collect their orders, some flouted the rules.

However, they quickly dispersed when reminded to keep a distance among themselves.Closer inspection also revealed that none of the stalls provided hand sanitiser for customers, as required by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) guidelines.

A trader, who declined to be named, said the stalls had been operating since May 4, when the conditional movement control order (MCO) began.

“There are not as many traders here this year due to the MCO.

“However, we ensure that we keep some distance between our stalls in compliance with social distancing guidelines,” he said.

“Most of the customers have no problem following the guidelines.

“We remind them to keep a distance among themselves if we notice that they are not complying,” he added.

The trader, however, hopes that DBKL will allow them to continue operations and not confiscate their equipment just because some customers do not follow the rules.

“We are just a week away from Hari Raya Aidilfitri and we need to do business to get an income,” he said, adding that many petty traders were strapped for cash since the MCO came into effect.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan, when contacted, said DBKL had reminded the traders to comply with the guidelines.

“A group of personnel from the Licensing Department went to the area to check on the traders and they were all found to have valid licences.

“This is not a Ramadan bazaar, as bazaars are not allowed. They are considered roadside traders,” he said.

Nor Hisham however, reminded that only Malaysians were issued petty trader’s licences.

DBKL’s guidelines state that roadside stalls are allowed to operate from 7am to 10pm during the conditional MCO.

All food stalls must be disinfected and the usage of hand sanitiser was mandatory, in addition to face masks.

Restaurants and food courts with indoor dining are also required to record customers’ details.