THE Pulau Tikus Market, which had been closed for the past two weeks due to detection of Covid-19 cases, was allowed to reopen today.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said with the reopening of the Pulau Tikus Market, all markets in Penang are now operating.
He said since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March last year, the local authorities had closed a total of 33 markets – 16 markets by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and 17 markets by Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
The Tasek Gelugor Market, Jagdeep said, was the second last market to be allowed to reopen yesterday.
“The Pulau Tikus Market has been closed since Sept 27. Each time when we close a market, it is not easy for us as we know the traders’ rice bowl will be affected. We have no choice but to do this for the sake of public health and security.
“We thank the over 200 traders and hawkers here for their cooperation. It’s quite a sizeable number,” Jagdeep told a press conference at the Pulau Tikus Market today.
He added that he was happy to note that out of the 20,284 traders and hawkers in Penang island, 18,715 or 92.26% have been vaccinated.
In a separate matter, Jagdeep warned civil servants in the state that disciplinary action would be taken from Nov 1 against those who have not been vaccinated.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, who was also present, said sanitisation works were carried out twice at the market during the closure as well as screening for the traders and hawkers.
“I would like to thank the traders and hawkers for their cooperation. When we did the last screening a few days ago, none was tested positive. Hence, today we are happy that the market can be reopened,” Lee said.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said there were a total of 334 MBPP employees who were tested positive in August, September and October, including 12 positive cases since MBPP staff members underwent the RTK-Antigen test from Oct 1.
“However, in the last four days on Oct 6, 7, 8 and 9, there was zero case. I hope this will continue,” Yew said.
Also present at the press conference were MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali, MBPP councillor Connie Tan and several Pulau Tikus Market traders and hawkers.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi