KUCHING, March 18: Kuching South City Commission (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng will consider closing all hawker centres under its jurisdiction if food business and stall operators refuse to adhere to the Movement Control Order imposed nationwide starting today until March 31.
Wee, in a voice message to DayakDaily, said he paid a surprise visit to the Kenyalang hawker centre, located above the wet market, at 8.30am today after receiving reports of patrons still having breakfast at the centre when food businesses and stalls are only allowed to open for takeaways or home delivery.
“Upon seeing pictures of many senior citizens gathering for their usual breakfast at Kenyalang Market food court, I rushed to the scene, took the operators and patrons to task for not abiding with the Restricted Movement Order,” he said.
Despite the order, many appeared to have chosen to ignore the fact that they are not suppose to be out of their home, dining in public places.
Wee thus advised the hawkers and public that under the Order, they could only order takeaways and are not allowed to dine in or sit together to eat on the premises.
“If this problem continues tomorrow, then MBKS will consider temporarily closing all hawker centres within its jurisdiction,” he warned.
“This is very serious. We need to fight Covid-19 together. Members of the public, the community, business premises must help and abide by the order. Please corporate with us to stop the virus,” he pleaded.
Today is the first day of the Movement Control Order which was announced by both federal and state governments aimed at limiting public movements in the state to slow the spread of Covid-19 following a spike in the number of cases.
With the drastic measure in place, restaurants and eateries are only allowed to remain open for takeaways and the public are not allowed to eat and drink on the premises.
People are allowed to go out to buy everyday necessities and to get only essential goods and services briefly and quickly before returning home.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has also reminded the public that any party who fails to comply with this directive may be subject to imprisonment or fine, or both. — DayakDaily
