By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Dec 19: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has reminded hawkers that it is mandatory to wear face masks while operating in markets or hawker centres.
Wee also strongly advised the hawkers not to operate if they are feeling unwell, and to only resume their operations once they have fully recovered.
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases across the country, MBKS issued a notice yesterday reminding hawkers to always wear masks in order to protect both themselves and their customers.
“I understand that there may be concerns regarding hawkers who refuse to wear face masks. Will their licences be suspended, and so on?
“Everyone is an adult. Everyone knows what it’s like to be hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is already a new norm. I believe that having to wait until someone says, ‘Hey, if you don’t protect your own life, I’ll fine you’, is a big joke. There’s no need to do that. We’re all adults.
“Hence we give them (the hawkers) reminders. We will visit the hawkers and remind them to mask up. This is to protect yourself, protect others, and protect your family,” he told reporters after witnessing the completion of the Bintawa Hawker Centre project and the handover of the certificate held today at the Bintawa Hawker Centre here.
The mayor further noted that it is the Council’s duty to safeguard both the hawkers and the citizens who frequent the markets and hawker centres.
“As a result, we encourage everyone to start wearing masks when visiting crowded places,” he added. — DayakDaily
