THE Taman Free School temporary hawker site, which was closed for two weeks from Nov 13 till today for cleaning and disinfection works following the detection of Covid-19 cases, will be reopened tomorrow.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said businesses at the hawker site would resume as usual tomorrow after being given clearance by the health authorities.
He said traders operating their businesses were tested negative in their swab tests and were cleared to resume their businesses.
“Today, I am very happy that they are finally able to be back to operate their businesses after a 14-day closure for disinfection process.
“I understand that many of them are largely affected by the closure but public health and safety must always be prioritised.
“All of them are like my family members as they are part of my state constituency, “said the Datok Keramat assemblyman.
The Taman Free School temporary hawker site houses 136 stalls but the closure only affected 68 traders.
Jagdeep noted the challenges facing the traders but pointed out the state had come out with various initiatives and economic stimulus packages to ease the people’s burden.
Jagdeep also acknowledged the services of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) frontliners.
“They are exposed to the public and I would like to express my gratitude to them for carrying their jobs efficiently,” he said while hoping Penangites would continue to be disciplined by adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Jagdeep said there are a total of 12 clusters in the state.
Also present were MBPP councillor Nicholas Theng and MBPP Environment Health Licensing officer M. Bawani.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting