TRADERS and market-goers at the Bukit Mertajam wet market received a pleasant surprise this morning when they were presented with face masks and hand sanitisers by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his team.
Chow, who arrived at 8.30am, spent about 50 minutes distributing the face masks and hand sanitisers.
He was accompanied by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who is also Chow’s political secretary.
Joining them were Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Padang Lalang assemblyman Chong Eng who is also the state executive councillor for Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Bernard Cheen Goon Hooi and staff from the Padang Lalang and Bukit Mertajam service centres.
The traders and shoppers were glad and expressed their appreciation to Chow and his entourage for giving the items.
Chow said 1,000 packets of mask (comprising five pieces in each packet) were given out.
“We have distributed 5,000 face masks at this market today. We also have given out 250 bottles of hand sanitiser.
“We have also given the essential items to those staying near the market,” he said.
Chow urged the people to remain strong and be patient.
“Continue to adhere to the movement control order (MCO). Wear the face mask, practise social distancing and good personal hygiene,” he said.
Chow added that the state was happy to note that the country had recorded the lowest number of new Covid-19 cases yesterday (April 15). The announcement was made by Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
“Nevertheless, we must not be too complacent. Our battle is not over.
“We must continue to comply with the MCO to break the chain of infection,” he said.
Chow said that the state is committed to help the affected sectors during and post-MCO period to strengthen the state’s economy.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad