KUCHING: Kuching, a city normally bustling with a cacophony of activities, has transformed into a ghost town amidst the movement control order (MCO) imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Though a number of Kuchingites failed to comply with the MCO during its first few days of implementation, by yesterday (the seventh day of the MCO), it seemed that most seemed to be strictly observing the government’s instructions.
Kopitiams often packed to the brim with customers socialising over their morning laksa have fallen silent with only a few in operation and offering take-away options.
Third Mile Bazaar is not as busy as it usually is. Photos: Ramidi Subari 
Closed shops at RH Plaza Commercial Centre Airport Road.
Rows and rows of shophouses remain shuttered at all times, with the exception of one or two running essential businesses and thus, exempted from the MCO.
Commercial centres, usually patronised by crowds of people, now appear desolate with barely a soul in sight ― only a handful of locals out stocking up on their groceries and essential goods.
Kota Padawan and Kota Sentosa bazaars, usually pockets of activity on Kuching-Serian Road, were deserted.
The Premier 101 area, which is usually jam-packed at all hours with people hunting for parking spots, is now quiet with many bays empty and most cars parked at one of the only outlets open there ― Choice Premier Supermarket.
Supermarkets which have remained open are filled with customers hidden behind face masks, pushing trolleys full of days’ worth of supplies.
Most who are out and about are alone and observing social distancing ― remaining at least a metre apart as they gather their necessities.
A number of supermarkets practise limiting the number of customers entering at a time. Some were even observed to conduct temperature checks on customers entering their premises, while others have even resorted to barring customers without face masks from entering.
Some supermarket staff has observed stricter sanitisation policies, including increased frequency of surface cleaning.
Fortunately, retail shelves have been well-stocked during this period and are quickly replenished.
Housing areas such as those in Demak Laut, BDC, and Tabuan Laru areas have little movement as everyone is staying home.
The roads everywhere are deserted, lacking the infamous traffic jams that have become increasingly problematic in Kuching over the past few years.
Most of the vehicles on the roads are those delivering goods to supermarkets and grocery outlets, in addition to food delivery motorcycles.
