BUKIT MERTAJAM – The wet market in Jalan Pasar here will remain closed until June 8 after 17 traders were found to be positive during a swab test for Covid-19.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the Health Ministry issued an immediate order to close the public market as a preventive measure to curb the spread of the pandemic.
“It is hard for the government to decide to close a public facility as it involves the livelihoods of traders, but this is necessary and part of Health Ministry protocol.
“However, the government cannot work alone to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as it is also the responsibility of each and every individual,” he said.
Jagdeep said this after a spot check at the Bukit Mertajam wet market following the closure of the market on June 30, extended to June 8 as more traders were found to be positive for the virus.
Also present were Seberang Prai City Council Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, exco and Padang Lalang assemblyman Chong Eng, Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Shafee Abd Samad, and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong.
“We want the people to practise self-discipline and adhere to standard operating procedures by wearing masks, scanning the MySejahtera code, and maintaining social distancing to break the Covid-19 chain. It is the only way to prevent the disease from spreading.
“We have closed public markets in Jelutong and Bagan Ajam after traders there were found to be positive for the virus. The state will not compromise on public health, and stern action will be taken against anyone found to be flouting the SOPs,” he said.
Jagdeep said the Penang island and Seberang Prai city councils have conducted a total of 1.92 million spot checks at public places as a preventive measure, and it was found that more than 99% of Penangites were found to be SOP compliant.
“There are two ways we can prevent the pandemic. The first is self-discipline and SOP compliance.
“Secondly, everybody must get vaccinated as soon as possible. We ask the federal government to expedite the national immunisation programme for Covid-19 and to open up more vaccination centres in the state.”
Jagdeep added Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had a meeting recently with Science and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during his work visit to the state to discuss the matter.
Rozali urged the traders from the markets to call on the district Health Department to conduct swab tests and determine their health status.
“Traders who fail to undergo swab tests will have their licences revoked, will not be allowed to conduct their business at the market, and can be charged in court under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 342 for failing to cooperate with the authorities.” – The Vibes, June 5, 2021
