PENANG’s latest Covid-19 events reveal the need for greater compliance of standard operating procedures in workplaces and essential services.
On the mainland, Taman Nagasari in Prai, is under the enhanced movement control order (MCO) until July 17.
On the island, Pulau Mutiara wholesale market in Macallum Street Ghaut, is closed until further notice after cases were detected among the traders.
In Taman Nagasari, the residents, mostly foreigners, are exposed to three factory clusters that have been flaring up on mainland Penang. One in every 10 residents has tested positive so far.
The remainder of the 2,722 residents there are now being screened in earnest so that those infected can be quickly isolated.
On the island, concerns about the distribution of fruits and vegetables are rising because Pulau Mutiara wholesale market supplies to about 70% of the island’s needs, especially to restaurants, hawkers and other food sellers.
“Most of us are under quarantine now. We can’t do anything except stay at home, so our customers will just have to
find their own way of getting fruits and vegetables,” said a wholesaler, who asked not to be named.
The Star visited the market on Saturday afternoon before it was ordered to close and found many workers hard at work while a team from Health Ministry, garbed in full personal protective equipment, ran targetted screening on some of the workers.
The wholesalers and workers were rushing to fulfil customers’ orders, sensing that the market would be closed.
“We are considered the main supplier in Penang anddistribute a few tonnes of perishables such as potatoes, garlic and onions every day.
“My workers have been working non-stop to pack and deliver to buyers.
“Some of my regular customers came with lorries and loaded stocks for their businesses,” said Yeoh Poh Hock, 52, a few hours before the market was ordered to close.
Vegetable wholesaler Kho Sock Yim, 65, said she did not stop working from 3am on Saturday until the market was told to close at around 4pm that day.
“Many small market traders depend on us for vegetables. I send stocks to three public markets and several roadside stalls on the island.
“Luckily, 30% to 40% of my vegetables can be kept in the freezer,” she said.
Kho was glad all of her workers tested negative.
She will isolate herself at home and treat the period as a ‘well-deserved holiday’ because she could only close her business three days in a year in normal times.
Vegetable and fruit wholesaler C.C. Lim, 49, decided to give away his stocks to friends and charitable homes.
“I had one tonne of honeydew and watermelon which would spoil if not consumed within a few days. I asked my friends and customers to come and take them.
“I kept some of the other vegetables and fruits in my freezer and hopefully they do not get spoiled when the market reopens,” he said.
There are 145 trading units in Pulau Mutiara wholesale market and over 30 stalls at the wet market next to it.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said the names of 170 wholesalers and their workers were submitted for the Penang mass Covid-19 screening that starts today at City Stadium.
“We hope the public can be patient and not share fake news to cause panic,” he said.
In a statement, Penang Island City Council said the market was ordered to close after five Covid-19 cases were detected there.
