GEORGE TOWN: Crowds which had thronged four hotspots in Penang despite the Movement Control Order (MCO) over the last four days have largely disappeared.
This follows the closure of roadside hawker stalls set up outside the popular markets of Air Itam, Jelutong, Jalan Perak and Bayan Baru here.
According to state Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan, crowding in the four areas has abated by about 70 per cent, compared to the first four days of the MCO.
"There is room for improvement, especially related to social distancing between the people while they are purchasing their items.
"We will discuss further with the local council and assemblyman on measures that can be taken (to ensure the public) complies with (social distancing)," he said today.
Sahabudin was met after a check was conducted at one of the hotspots, where overcrowding was detected early today. The crowd was ordered to disperse.
Meanwhile, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Seong said that it will be difficult to implement social distancing at markets, considering their narrow aisles and multiple entry and exit points.
Nevertheless, he said that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is focusing on implementing ways to ensure social distancing at the Air Itam market.
"It will take time, but hopefully (will be successful) soon" he said.
Prior to the MCO, 80 stalls outside Air Itam’s market proper were set up by the roadside, selling food, clothes and everyday items.
The stall operators were still running their businesses in the first four days of the MCO, which brought about overcrowding. They have since been banned from operating.
On a related matter, Sahabudin denied claims that a suspected Covid-19 patient escaped from the Seberang Jaya Hospital here, recently.
He said that the man, who is reportedly from a tabligh group, did not run away from the hospital as alleged.
"No, he did not escape," he added.