THE Penang government, through its local councils, will not hesitate to take stern action against any businesses or individuals for failing to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have been tasked to conduct checks on premises in the island and mainland respectively.
He said a total of 113 compounds had been issued to 26 premises and 87 individuals after checks were carried out at 377 business premises in the island in an operation from July 25 to July 26.
“They mainly failed to practise social distancing and carry out body temperature checks,” Jagdeep said.
He said the state would not compromise with anyone violating the SOP, assuring that action would be taken against them.
“Why is it so difficult to adhere to the SOP? The war against Covid-19 is not over yet. Please bear in mind that we are still in the recovery movement control order (RMCO) stage.
“We have come a long way and we should not let our efforts go down the drain. All of us need to play our part to protect the state’s green zone status.
“We cannot let our guard down and must do our very best to maintain green zone status,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Jagdeep, however, added that the majority of the Penangites are still adhering to SOP rules.
Out of the 186,461 checks conducted on the island, the compliance rate stood at 99.7% while mainland recorded 99.34% out of the 413,000 checks carried out.
“I would like to express my gratitude to both councils and police for their role to ensure everyone complies with the regulations,” he added.
On the mandatory use of face masks as announced by the Federal Government beginning this Saturday, Jagdeep said he hoped that the people would take note of it.
He also said MBPP and MBSP personnel would continue to monitor the markets in the island and mainland to make sure marketgoers follow the SOPs.
“A total of 14 markets on the island and 11 markets on the mainland have been identified,” he added.
The identified markets on the island are in Lebuh Cecil, Batu Lancang, Jelutong, Taman Tun Sardon, Bayan Baru, Chowrasta, Pulau Tikus, Tanjung Bunga, Teluk Bahang, Air Itam, Farlim, Padang Tembak, Jalan Perak and Balik Pulau.
The mainland markets are in Kepala Batas, Bagan Ajam, Kampung Baru, Sri Rambai, Taman Chai Leng, Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Tambun Indah, Seberang Jaya, Sri Bandar, Bukit Metajam and Apollo.
Also present were MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud and MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting