THE Penang government has stopped the operation of Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) bus service for routes CAT 1A, CAT 1B and 200 covering the Air Itam and Bandar Baru Air Itam (Farlim) areas from today.
The announcement was made yesterday by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow through an official statement on his Facebook page.
The decision was made as part of the preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the second phase of the movement control order (MCO).
The MCO enforcement, which started on March 18, has been extended from March 31 to April 14.
However, Chow in his statement, said other CAT bus service routes would continue as usual.
For those who live in Air Itam and Farlim, they can use the Rapid Penang bus service for routes 201 and 202, which will operate at a frequency of 30 minutes for journey to Komtar and Weld Quay (jetty).
The police have blocked the main road leading to the Air Itam Market since March 30 until further notice. It is to check the spread of the coronavirus and also to prevent overcrowding at the marketplace.
A check by Buletin Mutiara at the Weld Quay Bus Terminal today saw that the majority of the passengers did not know about the announcement but understood the reason behind it.
Grocery store worker Fong Wei Lung, 52, said he was not aware of the announcement made yesterday but fully respects the decision of the state government.
“As a resident in Air Itam, I truly understand and will abide by any orders given to us during these critical times to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“I hope CAT bus service operation involving Air Itam and Farlim will resume once the MCO period ends. The majority of the residents in my area use public transport to commute to work and other places,” he said.
Hotel worker Chong Zen Cheng, 42, said he was quite shocked over the announcement.
“This is because I use the free CAT bus service daily to go to work in George Town.
“But at least, I am glad to know that the state government is still allowing the Rapid Penang bus service to operate for those who live in Air Itam and Farlim. If not, it will be difficult for the residents there.
“Nevertheless, the decision was made for our own good. Thus, we must accept it so that we can minimise the risk of infection of the disease during the MCO period,” he added.
It is also observed that not many passengers were waiting for the buses at the terminal.
An operator at the bus terminal, who wished to remain anonymous, said the number of passengers is decreasing each day since the MCO enforcement.
“Before the MCO, the bus terminal would usually be crowded with people. Most of them were ferry passengers who came from Butterworth on the mainland.
“But now, the number of passengers has significantly dropped. It could most probably be due to the temporary closure of their companies during this period. Hopefully, this crisis will be over soon,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis