THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is committed to ensuring that public premises under its jurisdiction are kept clean and safe at all times.
According to MBPP Urban Services Department deputy director Xavier Sebastian, the disinfection works are conducted every day and regularly at 26 public markets and 34 food complexes on the island.
“Every one hour you can see our cleanliness squad disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as rails (gates, handbars), door handles, sink, water tap, toilet flush handles, lift buttons, chairs and tables.
“When we talk about railings (staircase handbars), there are actually a total of 184 railings at the public markets and 132 at food complexes.
“We also carry out floor cleaning works by using scrubbing machines to maintain a hygienic environment at our premises.
“No matter what, we have to dutifully carry out our work for the sake of public health,” said Sebastian when he was contacted by the Buletin Mutiara team today.
He added that both the council’s Urban Services Department and the Licensing and Public Health Department are focusing their efforts on curbing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our teams from the 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult job) do not work on rotation basis but every day they are on the ground contributing to the well-being of the community.
“The council’s Urban Services Department also ensures that our frontliners adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) when they are on duty, for instance wearing mask and using hand sanitisers.
“Although it is quite uncomfortable to keep wearing the mask while perspiring, they still follow the SOPs for everyone’s sake,” said Sebastian.
He said frontliners such as personnel from the police and the state Health Department (JKNPP) are supportive of the operations conducted by MSPP Urban Services Department.
“We are receiving good support from the JKNPP and also the police with regard to our efforts in eradicating the pandemic.
“We are always committed to executing the instructions given by the National Security Council and JKNPP.
“Combating the pandemic is not solely on the shoulders of the authorities, but the community should also play their part.
“It is important for them to have a sense of awareness, for example people should discard face mask in a proper way. Do no litter it everywhere,” said Sebastian.
Meanwhile, Sebastian also commended MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang for his continuous support towards the ground works carried out by the 3D squads.
“Our mayor is always in constant touch with our teams every now and then on the updates given by the MKN and JKNPP,” added Sebastian.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of MBPP Urban Service Department