KEPALA BATAS: The popular Pasar Bisik Kuala Muda at the Penaga wet market here has been told to close shop after traders were found to have breached rules under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
A seven-day closure notice effective tomorrow was issued by the Penang Health Department after several warnings went unheeded over the absence of body temperature checks, sanitisers and marked lines for social distancing.
The violations had also led to overcrowding at the premises.
The traders, who mostly are fishermen, were told to clear the market by 3pm today.
Environmental health officer Mohd Wazir Khalid said health department personnel earlier visited the market daily to remind traders to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"They comply with the SOP when we are there but they do not do so when we leave. We have no choice but to teach them a lesson," he said when met during the operation here today.
Mohd Wazir warned that action including arrest would be taken if the fishermen refused to adhere to the closure notice.
The fishermen, however, expressed shock over the closure.
Nelayan Pasar Bisik Kuala Muda Penaga unit chairman Ariffin Mat, 54, said he had helped to remind the fishermen to adhere to the SOP.
"But since the premises' space is limited, it is difficult for them to control the situation.
"The closure will affect us but we have to accept it. I will come up with the best way to ensure they comply with the SOP accordingly."
The closure of the market was done under Subsection 18(1) (f) Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
