Stern enforcement by authorities in Penang, says exco man

PENANG will continue with its strict enforcement in the state following the rising cases of Covid-19 in the past few days.

State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state would tighten its enforcement and not hesitate to take stern action against any premises or individuals flouting the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

He warned the businesses that they risked facing closures if SOPs were not adhered to.

Jagdeep urges the traders and businesses to follow SOPs or risk closures.

“I will inspect all the markets to ensure that the traders are following the regulations. We will not hesitate to take stern action if anyone violates the SOPs.

“Let me repeat here clearly that our priority is the people’s health and safety. We are concerned about public safety as we don’t want their lives to be at risk.

Jagdeep speaking to reporters outside the Pulau Tikus wet market.

“Please bear in mind that all of us are still in the recovery movement control order (RMCO) period until Aug 31.

“We are not out of the woods yet as we still need to follow the regulations imposed under RMCO,” he told reporters after inspecting the Pulau Tikus wet market today.

A market-goer is seen having her hands sanitised before entering into the Pulau Tikus wet market.

Jagdeep said that both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) had been instructed to ensure that the people are following SOPs.

He expressed his gratitude to the frontliners, particularly MBPP, MBSP, police and RELA for their fullest cooperation during this trying period.

MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the situation on the island is under control.

He urged the public not to believe any unverified information.

Yew hopes the people will not trust any unverified information.

“MBPP will share the verified information from time to time on our social media,” he added.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit echoed Yew’s comment, calling the people not to believe in any fake news spread by unscrupulous individuals.

Also present was MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali.

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian