SIBU: Hawkers here are complying with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and the local authorities.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh was pleased with the attitude of hawkers selling food during this Ramadan season.
“Today (May 3) we conducted a surprise check on food sales with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), enforcement officers and councillors led by myself.
“Inspections were conducted around Kampung Nangka, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Datu, Jalan Bandong and Jalan Abang Barieng,” he said when met by reporters yesterday.
Ting said the level of compliance by the hawkers was high and he wanted this to continue throughout the movement control order (MCO) period.
According to him, some of the hawkers who previously operated in street stalls had move their operations to their house and taking orders via phone calls from customers.
“Most hawkers adhere to the conditions set by the SDMC but a few had also been advised to comply with the terms,” he added.
He said the government and the police had been working hard to help curb the spread of Covid-19 and now the responsibility was on the people to play their part.
“Let us play our part in combating this Covid-19 pandemic.
“Compliance by the hawkers is very important as it will guarantee control over public gatherings.
“That’s why we recommended to them to conduct their business online or by taking orders. Their customers could take then their food without gathering around,” he said.
Ting also reminded the hawkers here to continue to do business according to the rules of MCO as Sarawak had not implemented the conditional movement control order (CMCO) yet.
“Do not provide seats for dine-in customers. Only takeaways are allowed.
“SMC will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that no one violates the rules of the MCO,” he added.
He also hoped that there would be no further misunderstanding about the MCO or the CMCO among traders, especially those operating food and beverage stalls.
“It has already been explained by the state government in an announcement yesterday (Saturday). I think everyone knows about it,” he added.
