By Ling Hui
KUCHING, April 22: Sibu Central Market is allowed to open to prevent crowding at other smaller markets in the district.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting said with all markets open now, this is the rationale of SMC and Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (Sibu DDMC) to keep the central market operating but only with stalls selling food.
He said this in response to several frustrated complaints from business owners in Sibu who are in sectors not listed as essential services.
“I want to address this issue because a lot of people were asking why they had to close down but SMC is allowing the Sibu Central Market to open. Let me explain.
“This time, all other markets are open. So, what is the rationale behind this decision?
“It’s because all other markets are small and if we continue to keep the Sibu Central Market closed, it means all other markets will be crowded,” he said during a Facebook session with Sibu councillors livestreamed here today.
He emphasised that SMC and Sibu DDMC decided to open the Sibu Central Market because it can accommodate more people, instead of causing congestion at smaller public places.
On the subject of opening night markets, Ting said the hawkers are entitled to open because they are selling food and their businesses are categorised as essential services.
However, he assured, all hawkers and stall owners have been ordered to wear face shields and plastic gloves when operating.
He also said he would be going to inspect the night markets tonight and to ensure that all stalls are closed on time.
On a related issue, he said parks in Sibu would not be closed this time as most of these parks are ungated and without fences.
“They are open parks, so it will take too much manpower to stop people from going to the parks,” he said.
Those who still wish to visit the parks will be doing so at their own risk of either getting compounded by the police after several warnings or being exposed to Covid-19 infections, he added. — DayakDaily
