GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government was serious when it said enforcement teams would close public markets which flout the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The first to be closed was the Sri Aman Market in Relau here, where locals failed to follow set guidelines despite repeated warnings.
State Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said though it was an unpopular decision, it was a responsible one.
"We will not hesitate to act against other markets which also do not comply.
"Do not fool around, this is about the safety and health of our people. This is about life and death!
"If others can comply then why not here?" he said, adding that 20 stalls at the market were closed for three days starting today.
The main reason the market was closed is because customers failed to adhere to the one metre social distancing rule, and also due to crowding problems inside.
Among other sites which have come under the microscope are the Air Itam, Jelutong and Jalan Perak markets.
Jagdeep said the situation at the markets have, however, improved over the past week.
He also said that roadside stalls outside Jelutong market will be closed from tomorrow to improve the crowding situation there.
Present during the announcement were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
On the Movement Control Order (MCO) situation on the mainland, Rozali said that an issue that persists is long queues of shoppers waiting to enter supermarkets.
"We suggest that the customers plan their purchases so they will not spend too much time in the markets.
"Traders must also be creative, they should (sell) ready-packed items… based on customers’ needs," he said.