SIBU, June 10: Traders at the Sibu Central Market will continue to do business on alternate days during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period until a decision is made whether to continue the practice.
Since the MCO came into force on March 18, the 400-odd traders there were divided into two groups and only permitted to run their operations on alternate days so as to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Market and Petty Traders Committee chairman Albert Tiang revealed local authorities in the state will deliberate on the matter on June 17.
However, he opined that as the RMCO is now in force, the restriction should be lifted and traders allowed to do business as before but under standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On the food court at the Rejang Park market which has been closed since March 18, Tiang revealed it was the choice of the operators not to resume business as most of them are elderly people who are more vulnerable to Covid-19.
“Considering their age, they have the right to make the decision. This is also the same with their counterparts in the Jalan Tiong Hua market. There are only two hawkers who have reopened their stalls while others have remained shut,” he added.
Concerning the Sunday Market, he disclosed it would still remain closed unlike the ‘Pasar Malam’ (Night Market) which will reopen on June 17.
“We will only allow the reopening of the Sunday Market at Jalan Mahsuri in July. The reason is that we want to register and apply for a temporary trading licence,” he revealed, adding this is so as arrangements can be made as previously, anyone could trade there after paying a minimal fee.
“We are also considering setting aside 90 per cent of the space for the sale of local produce and 10 per cent for imported stuff.” — DayakDaily
