Penangites Are Still Crowding Wet Market Despite Six Days Into Movement Control Order

It’s Day Six of the Movement Control Order and Malaysians are starting to take this more and more seriously. Well, some Malaysians at least. The others still seem to think this is some sort of vacation and go about their daily lives, lepaking with their friends and visiting the markets. What else needs to happen for these people to understand the severity of the situation?

A wet market in Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang is still hustling and bustling with visitors getting their produces. This is happening despite the warning that the army would be arriving to assist the police in enforcing the movement control order.

The Star reported that there were no authorities present to control this crowd, who don’t seem to understand the concept of social distancing. Even though most of them can be seen wearing masks, it doesn’t help that they’re standing shoulder to shoulder. Even the traffic was congested with some market goers just leaving their cars on the lane.

A shopkeeper said that although the market is crowded, the visitors have reduced and those there are all locals who need their supply to cook at home.

“We have advised them to keep a distance but there are just too many of them.”

Seberang Prai city councillor Tan Chee Teong said that the council has acknowledged the problem and have issued notices to more than half of the traders to close starting today.“There are about 350 stalls here and we have issued notices to about 250 of them to cease trading. Stalls under the large building in the middle and those outside of buildings on both sides will no longer be allowed to trade,” he told adding that only stalls that are under the roof on both sides are allowed to continue operating.

Remember that it’s up to us to flatten the curve. Stop being selfish and follow the government’s orders to just STAY AT HOME!

Also read: Covid-19: “We May Have To EXTEND Movement Control Order” Says M’sian Health Director-General