THE Seberang Perai City Council is planning to organise a vaccination programme solely meant for traders at public markets, food complexes, night markets, roadside hawker stalls, food truck operators and others on the mainland.
Its mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud told a virtual press conference today that the move is to prevent these frequently visited places from becoming Covid-19 hotspots with the surge of new daily cases.
“Also, this initiative would be important to assist the state government in its efforts to achieve herd immunity the soonest and to ensure 100% adult population in the state receive their first dose by early September this year.
“On top of it all, what’s more important is that we need to create a sense of security among the customers when they visit these premises.
“When people know the traders are inoculated, they would be confident to visit the premises although it is still important to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“This can also help boost the economy as well as improve the badly hit lives and livelihoods of the traders. It will become a win-win situation,” Rozali said during a virtual press conference via MBSP’s Facebook page today.
According to Rozali, there are 8,706 traders from the said categories on the mainland.
During the live session, he also encouraged the related individuals to visit MBSP’s Facebook page to fill up a survey form and another separate form, which would carry information about themselves.
“We will then submit the details of interested individuals to the state government to be given priority and make this vaccination programme a reality,” he added.
Rozali, however, also said that while there were still a lot of work to be done, talks are currently ongoing with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to partner in this programme.
Separately, he said the closure of the Bukit Mertajam public market, which was originally to shut its doors from Aug 5 to 11, would now be closed effective today (Aug 4) to Aug 13.
“This is due to the surge of new Covid-19 cases, involving both the traders and workers.
“It was found that many of them have flouted the SOPs, such as failing to scan the MySejahtera QR code and zero physical distancing.
“When enforcement officers are present, they follow the SOPs and it happens otherwise when they are not around. This is simply not right.
“I strong urge everyone to strictly follow the SOPs. We cannot afford to take this issue lightly,” Rozali added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of MBSP