SANDAKAN – Two Sabah opposition assemblymen are appealing for the state government to allow dine-in and extend hawkers’ operating hours to 9pm.
Elopura rep Calvin Chong Ket Kiun said the ruling limiting business hours from 6am to 3pm has greatly impacted small food operators, including those at the Elopura Market.
Night hawkers have lost their source of income completely, he said in a statement.
“We have heard the hawkers’ complaints. Those who operate in the day can’t finish selling their food as dine-in is not allowed, while night hawkers can’t operate at all.
“They are truly affected by this pandemic, and the limit on operating hours is making the situation worse.”
He urged the affected traders to remain patient and cooperate with the authorities.
Karamunting assemblyman George Hiew Vun Zin echoed Chong’s call for dine-in to be allowed at market food courts.
He questioned the restriction imposed on markets when other eateries in the state can continue operations.
“The dining tables at the market are about 3m long. The government should consider allowing dine-in with strict standard operating procedures in place, such as social distancing,” he said in a statement issued after visiting hawkers at the Bandar Ramai-Ramai Market today.
He urged the Sandakan Municipal Council to consider a rent exemption for hawkers.
“They saw no income during the movement control order. The government should be sympathetic to their plight as the assistance for low-income families will not last long.” –The Vibes, July 19, 2021
