GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s world-famous hawkers may no longer dot the streets here, as the local council is attempting to relocate unlicensed ones to food courts and hawker centres.
Penang Island City Council president Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the unprecedented move will see the state providing these operators with lots for free.
There are more than 1,000 lots available at licensed hawker centres and food courts on the island.
Yew said the reality is that many hawkers are struggling to adhere to Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Hawkers are required to have the MySejahtera QR code, ensure good hygiene and physical distancing, and wear a mask, and are recommended to undergo virus testing. They are also subjected to shorter operating hours during the pandemic.
Not all can follow the requirements strictly, said Yew, and given this, the state will relocate them.
He added that having hawkers in centralised locations will ease deliveries.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said the move is beneficial to hawkers.
“It is good if they accept this and help the council regulate the street food industry. Although some hawkers have become household names, it is best that they resettle at food courts.”
Batu Lanchang rep Ong Ah Teong, however, cautioned against the decision.
He said it is difficult to relocate hawkers as location is key for their business.
“When tourists visit Penang, they seldom want to eat at restaurants. They prefer our roadside hawkers. But we must regulate (hawkers). Get them licensed, and educate them on how to cope with the challenges of the pandemic.”
Those who can relocate should consider it as the council means well, and it would mean they need not contend with reckless motorists, he said. – The Vibes, August 1, 2021
