ROADSIDE hawkers at four markets on Penang island can resume their businesses starting tomorrow.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Nicholas Theng said roadside hawkers at Jelutong market (118 stalls) and Air Itam market (134 stalls) would be allowed to operate on a rotation basis; while the roadside hawkers at Pulau Tikus market and Perak Road market could operate daily.
“This is because there are not many roadside hawkers at the Pulau Tikus market and Perak Road market.
“The council will ensure that the hawkers practise the safety measures required, such as social distancing.
“More enforcement officers will be monitoring the markets when the operation starts tomorrow,” Theng said.
Theng, who is the council’s public health and licensing committee chairman, said the council would monitor the situation for three days before deciding the need to make any necessary changes.
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong thanked MBPP for allowing the roadside hawkers to resume their businesses.
“I hope that the hawkers will comply with the regulations set by the local council.
“It is important for the hawkers to follow the right procedure such as practise social distancing and wear the face masks,” Ong said.
On a separate note, Theng said that the roadblocks near the Air Itam market would be shortened.
“The roadblocks will be held from 6am to noon from tomorrow onwards,” he said.
On May 6, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng had appealed to the police and local council to remove or partially lifting the roadblocks after listening to the plight of the traders there.
As a measure to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, barricades were set up beside the Air Itam police station and the Jalan Kampung Pisang-Jalan Paya Terubong junction to prevent overcrowding at the Air Itam market area.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan