KUCHING, July 15: The recent fake news alleging Stutong Community Market to be unsafe for the public after the premises was visited by the 18th fatal Covid-19 case, has negatively impacted the business community there.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng today slammed the irresponsible acts by the rumour spreaders.
“Such untrue claim had not only upset the market’s community but also impacted the livelihood of hawkers and traders there.
“MBKS totally disapproved of such a groundless claim because it has created unnecessary widespread panic within the community,” he said in a statement after visiting the market today.
Wee pointed out that since the start of Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18, MBKS has been going around the city areas to inspect premises and ensure businesses comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Sanitising and cleaning works were also carried out in public areas from time to time to the best of our efforts.
“In addition, the State Health Department too has been carrying out their random screenings on the public at various locations in the city,” he said.
As MBKS has been proactive in preventing the second Covid-19 wave from happening in Kuching, Wee urged fake news spreaders to stop such irresponsible acts.
“If anyone has doubts on the authenticity of the news they received, kindly contact MBKS or Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) for clarification. Do not share the fake news,” he advised.
He reiterated advice for businesses to strictly comply with the SOPs and public to observe high standards of hygiene and cleanliness including wearing masks when out in public areas, washing hands or using sanitiser, practicing social distancing and avoiding crowded places whenever possible.
He also urged the public to make an effort to visit the market for their necessities during weekdays in order to avoid crowds on the weekends.
Meanwhile, the 18th fatality or case 576 was a 72-year-old man who had medical records of diabetes and hypertension before he was tested positive for Covid-19.
After it was identified that Stutong Community Market was among the places he visited, there were news and messages being spread through social media urging the public to avoid going to the market.
However, State Health director Dr Chin Zin Hing had reported that disinfection had been immediately carried out at the market. —DayakDaily
