ALL the traders in Jelutong Market are advised to undergo Covid-19 swab test at Lam Wah Ee Hospital after four cases were reported there.
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said his service centre would subsidise the cost with the traders only having to fork out RM80 for the test.
He said this initiative was to encourage the stall owners to get themselves screened for Covid-19 in view of the spike in cases.
“They can proceed to the hospital to take the test as their safety and health are of paramount importance.
“If the traders’ reports are negative, then we will advise the health authorities to allow the market to be reopened.
“However, it’s still subject to the authorities’ purview. I really hope that everyone will play their role to curb the chain of infection.
“It’s our hope to see everyone stay at home at this time amid the current pandemic,” he said when inspecting the market today.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had ordered the Jelutong Market to shut down with immediate effect from 1pm yesterday (May 17) following the detection of four Covid-19 cases among the traders.
A total of 60 stalls inside the market and 186 stalls along the nearby Jalan Penaga and Lorong Ipoh, had also been ordered to close until further notice.
Ong added that traders, who wish to take the swab tests, must register themselves at the Batu Lancang service centre.
He added that it would be on an appointment basis while the tests are only for Jelutong Market traders. They are to contact 04-2804411 for further details.
When met, Jelutong Market association acting chairman Khor Say Peng welcomed Ong’s effort in calling the traders to do their swab tests.
“I will also urge the traders to go to hospital too,” he said, adding that strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) had been practised at the market all this while.
“We need to adhere to SOPs at all times. That’s the best thing that we can do.”
In another development, Ong said the night market near the Jalan Van Praagh, which is open every Friday and Saturday, will now be closed for two weeks.
“I am glad that the some of the traders decided to close temporarily after the rise in cases recently.
“Their cooperation is much appreciated,” he said.
On a separate matter, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who was present, hoped the public could follow the SOP guidelines during this movement control order (MCO) period.
In response to a group of people, who were caught for violating SOPs in Karpal Singh Drive recently, Lim said people should not gather or chat with each other at the public area.
“I hope everyone will strictly follow SOPs,” she said.
Also present was Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting