GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has urged supermarkets and hypermarkets to limit the number of customers at their premises at any one time to ensure social distancing to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Following similar measures implemented at public markets throughout the state, state Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said supermarkets and hypermarkets operators should follow suit.
"So far, they have pledged that there are sufficient items sold at their respective outlets," he told a press conference here today.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Checks at several supermarkets and hypermarkets last weekend found that the hoarding of groceries and essentials were ongoing despite assurances by the government that supplies were sufficient.
Premises operators have since drawn yellow lines along the cashiers’ counters as a guide to the one-metre rule for social distancing.
On Wednesday, the government enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO) which ends on March 31.
To-date, the MBPP has inspected 2,252 premises, with 90 per cent of them found to be complying with the MCO.
The MBSP, meanwhile, has inspected 751 premises, 84 per cent of which are in compliance with the MCO.