CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow today has reminded tourists to be responsible and not litter in open spaces while holidaying here in Penang.
This became the talk of the town after the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) cleaning workers were found to be working long hours at popular tourist attractions spots in Penang that were littered with all sorts of rubbish by visitors during the festive break.
“This is not an image we want to portray considering the many Covid-19 restrictions that have been lifted now.
“While holidaying here, it is hoped the tourists will play a role and keep the places they visit clean and not otherwise.
“MBPP will continue to monitor hotspots in the state to ensure the people don’t get too complacent with cleanliness.
“It looks like everyone is getting too comfortable that they are starting to forget the basic cleanliness ethics while in public areas.
“There’s a lot catching up to be done,” Chow said after distributing aprons and face masks to hawker stall operators at Medan Renong food court in Esplanade today.
Chow, who is also Tanjong MP, said that his office had prepared 1,500 aprons and 1,500 face masks, which will all be distributed to hawker centres located within his constituency.
In a related development, he said the distribution of aprons was to remind the hawker stall operators to always put on aprons while running their businesses.
“It is part of the guidelines where the operators are required to wear aprons, suitable cooking hat and shoes while cooking and so on.
“It is found that many stalls here at Medan Renong have not been following these guidelines, and it is important they don’t get too relaxed.
“This is a collective responsibility, where the operators and visitors have to do their part to maintain a good level of cleanliness in such premises,” Chow added.
Earlier, he had visited the Sri Weld Food Court in George Town to distribute aprons and face masks as well.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis