THE Penang government through its both local councils, namely Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), will not hesitate to close down any Ramadan bazaars that are found not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said in total there are 69 Ramadan bazaars in Penang.
“We have 27 Ramadan bazaars on the island and 42 on the mainland.
“And we will take stern action, including to shut down the Ramadan bazaars if the operators and visitors do not follow the SOPs.
“Fortunately, based on the report that we received so far, we have a very good SOP compliance rate of more than 95 percent for Ramadan bazaars in Penang.
“Thus, I hope this good momentum will continue. After all, it is mandatory to comply with the SOPs imposed to contain the Covid-19 pandemic,” Jagdeep told a press conference in Komtar today.
According to Jagdeep, a total of 100 MBPP and MBSP enforcement officers have been instructed to conduct monitoring regularly at all Ramadan bazaars in the state to ensure full compliance with the SOPs.
“And I wish to remind all the Ramadan bazaar organisers in the state to be responsible so that the Ramadan bazaars in their areas fully adhere to the SOPs.
“After all, we want to allow the bazaars to open until the end of Ramadan if only everyone can play their part,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian