GEORGE TOWN – Gelugor Market and Food Complex customers are left in a bind after the thermometer there went missing five days ago.
Residents living near the complex are complaining, as they are forced to shop without being able to scan their temperature – a Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP).
They slammed the market management for their inaction in replacing the thermometer, and urged the Penang Island City Council to act immediately to prevent the pandemic from spreading further in the state.
“If a policeman catches someone who fails to scan their temperature, the person can be compounded,” said social activist P. Murugiah.
“We follow the SOPs, but the authorities fail to play their part. What if the market becomes a cluster? Temperature scanning is an important part of detecting Covid-19.”
Ramli Mydin, 65, a retired civil servant, said the management should have replaced the temperature scanner immediately if the previous one had malfunctioned.
“It is not expensive, and the city council can afford to buy it. It is the mere lackadaisical attitude by the council staff members in addressing the problem.”
Self-employed Lee Chong Meng, 57, said management employees should be held responsible for the problem.
“We are in a serious situation facing the pandemic and cannot afford to let our guard down as it involves people’s lives. I hope there is no recurrence of such events in future.”
The authorities could not be reached for comments. – The Vibes, February 16, 2021
