KUCHING: All traders must strictly observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing at Riyal Market in Kota Samarahan to contain the spread of Covid-19.
“On top of that, they must have their temperatures taken and provide personal details twice a day — one in the morning and another in the afternoon,” Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said in a recent statement.
He added that all visitors must enter the market through one entrance and leave through one exit, with a maximum of only 50 customers allowed into the market at any one time while also observing the SOPs.
Minos on Monday said a committee representing the traders at Riyal Market was called in by the council to discuss what should and should not be done in the war against the virus.
“While MPKS increases its enforcement staff at the market, especially at the common entrance and exit, the committee representing the traders must help out in making sure that nobody enters the market from the sides or back.
“Steel barricades are put up around the market and no longer just plastic strings or ropes as before. An MPKS permit is needed for a few minutes loading or unloading of produce at a few approved spots of the market,” said Minos.
Furthermore, he said that toilets, floors and drains at the market must be clean and neat at all times.
He added that no suspicious outside traders should be allowed in.
“MPKS does not want any outside traders to bring in Covid-19,” said Minos.
He also reminded the traders that just one Covid-19 infection would mean a 14-day closure of the market and it would take days for business to return once the market reopened.
In addition, he said that any Covid-19 infections would bring a bad name to the market as well as to Samarahan.
“Therefore, no to any carelessness and no to complacency. Covid-19 infections are a big problem to all, so take no chances,” stressed Minos.
