by Nancy Nais
KUCHING, March 25: It would not be out of place on payday to expect to see many Malaysians queuing at bank counters and automated teller machines (ATMs) before heading to the markets to buy essentials and possibly causing big crowds.
However, it was observed today, the 8th day of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and also payday for government servants and some private companies, that many banks in Kuching city were generally quiet, with about two or three people at the ATM machines.
Similar levels of activity was observed at a number of supermarkets, grocery stores and food outlets.
This suggests that the public understands and are mindful of the directives imposed under the initial two-week Movement Control Order (MCO) which was extended a further two weeks until April 14 today.
Padungan police station chief ASP Wan Mohd Ali Wan Malik said members of the public are beginning to understand and taking the MCO seriously by limiting outdoor presence to combat Covid-19.
“Even presence of people inside the bank or at ATM machines are very little. Those entering the ATM area also practise social distancing by waiting for their turns outside.
“Those whom we stopped at roadblocks explained they need to buy essential items such as groceries, toiletries and medicines,” said Wan Mohd Ali when met with his enforcement team which includes army personnel at the roadblock at Jalan Abell.
Since the MCO came into force on March 18, he added, the level of public compliance has gradually risen and he hoped that this can achieve the main aim of breaking Covid-19 transmission chains. — DayakDaily
