Collective responsibility to make restriction of movement order a success

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AS the restriction of movement order takes effect nationwide today, many residents in Penang island seem to be living a ‘sedentary lifestyle’.

The order was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on March 16 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It starts today and ends on March 31.

George Town, the heart of Penang, was free from its usual hustle-and-bustle of city life. Movement has been drastically reduced at major buzzing places such as Penang Road, Chulia Street, Chowrasta Market, Armenian Street, Penang Street, Jalan Ria and Komtar.

 

Penang Road came to a ‘standstill’ due to the ‘partial lockdown’

 

Although many places seemed deserted on day one, supermarkets were still seen to have shoppers purchasing essential goods. In times such as these, the public needs the daily provisions.

Buletin Mutiara team dropped by Sunshine Supermarket in Jelutong today to see the reaction of the public on the first day of the restriction of movement order.

 

A few shoppers seen busily shopping at the supermarket

 

Its store executive Clarrise Lim urged the public to remain calm and give their cooperation during such a crisis.

“People need not to panic where grocery supply is concerned. We will try our best to provide the goods that they need,” Lim said when asked about whether there was any shortage of items.

“For the past two days, we had huge crowds at our supermarket. Most came to purchase the essential items in view of the restriction of movement order.

 

A customer choosing her items at the frozen food corner

 

“Just bear with us. If some items here have been sold out, please wait for fresh supply to arrive. We’re really working hard to have adequate supply of the necessary items for the people.

“Let us all work together and fight the situation together,” she added.

Lim on duty

 

One of the shoppers, who only wants to be known as Jeff, expressed hopes that everything would return to normal.

“I am here to stock up on my provisions, and I believe that the partial lockdown will help our nation to come back to its normal state.

“I wish everything good for our people. And everyone please stay safe and listen to the advice given by our authorities,” he said.

 

Jeff at  Sunshine supermarket to store up groceries

 

Apart from that, many restaurants did not set up their tables and chairs for dining but merely allowed takeaways according to the government’s order.

Datuk Kadhar Shah Bin Abdul Razak, the director of Nasi Kandar Nasmir Sdn Bhd, said all food outlets should abide the instructions given by the government.

Chairs and tables are removed at the restaurant

“The government is taking precautionary steps for everyone’s benefit by restricting people from dining at the coffee shops.

“So, it is everyone’s responsibility to pay heed to it. We (Nasi Kandar Nasmir) also take online orders which would be really convenient for the people during this time.

 

Nasmir restaurant (jelutong branch) strictly following the restriction of movement order by the government

 

“If we can strictly follow the order, I believe it will do much good to our nation and the outbreak can be curbed faster.

“Let us all stay composed and united to ward off the outbreak by successfully following the restriction movement order for the next 13 days.”

 

The entrance towards Komtar state administrative offices looking empty

 

No sight of passers-by at one of the popular tourist spots in George Town

 

Trishaws are parked nearby Armenian Street while waiting for passengers

 

Some stalls in the George Town area are closed

 

Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud