By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Mar 28: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has refuted allegations by some quarters that all wet markets in Kuching will be closed for 10 days.
In a Facebook posting, Dr Sim described the person who spread the fake news as irresponsible and urged the culprits not to cause any unnecessary hardship and suffering in this challenging time of fighting the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Totally irresponsible!
“Please don’t cause any more unnecessary hardship to the suffering of our people!
“It’s time we fight Covid-19 seriously. We already lost five fellow Sarawakian,” he said.
Kuching City South Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has also refuted another allegation that the Kuching’s Hawker market will be closed for 10 days.
He said it was fake news and urged members of the public not to listen to rumours and seek information from the relevant authority.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Local Government and Housing’s permanent secretary Datu Antonio Kahti Galis in a letter said only wet markets which were indoors and based in permanent structures were allowed to operate.
He added the wet market must practice tighter social distancing and be monitored by the local council.
He explained that it was the responsibility of the local council to ensure the smooth operation of the wet market and that the safety of the public was maintained.
He noted that following the directive by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg after the State Security Council meeting, he explained that farmers, breeders and fishermen were allowed to run their businesses.
He added farmers, breeders and fishermen are allowed to sell their produce as agreed by the local council from 7 am to 7 pm. —DayakDaily
