Mask up! We have been hearing this phrase ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began, and moreover now it has been imposed as one of the compulsory rules to abide by.
When Buletin Mutiara team went around George Town to check on how the public as well as the business operators were responding to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council, it found that Penangites have generally a high level of awareness and have continued to comply with the rules.
Maya Silk owner K. Rajendar, 65, said now the public has a better awareness of wearing mask and adhering to the SOPs.
“I see that people are strictly abiding by the SOPs; they follow our instructions to scan the contact tracing app whereas the elderly prefer to write down their contact on our logbook.
‘’They are seen with their masks on and even request us for hand sanitisers as they walk into the shop. Previously, we had to remind them to use the hand sanitisers.
“Perhaps, it is the fear that has made people to be more cautious since Penang has become a yellow zone now,’’ said Rajendar when the Buletin Mutiara team approached him today at his shop.
Rajendar also said the police, personnel from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Rela were seen patrolling Little India area on daily basis.
“Apart from that, business has slowed down. Although it is unpredictable in the current time, I am being levelheaded when facing the situation.
“At times I feel that it might worsen, but I keep reminding myself to stay positive and is hoping that the pandemic will end soon,’’ he added.
Ramanie Store director R. Patmanathen, 32, said the maximum number of customers who are allowed into his shop is about 20.
“If there is a crowd, we make sure that customers queue up while maintaining physical distancing. I do not see any problem whenever we ask them to do so.
“Sometimes I see them maintaining physical distancing even without us telling them. Speaking about wearing mask, we make sure that they are masked up before entering our premises.
“I think people now have a greater sense of awareness on taking preventive measures during the pandemic,’’ Patmanathen said.
Meanwhile, Penang Island City Councillor (MBPP) councillor Ahmad Azrizal Tahir said patrolling is done by the council every day at premises and public spaces to ensure that the SOPs are complied with.
“The MBPP Health and Enforcement Department personnel frequently conduct patrolling, for instance at crowded places such as the morning markets.
“In the afternoon, we will check on the premises open for lunch hour while at night, we go around checking food premises, shopping complexes and supermarkets.
“For example, MBPP is working together with the police and Rela personnel to patrol public places like the Esplanade, Gurney Drive, Bayan Lepas highway and also the second bridge,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
