KEPALA BATAS: It is all quiet at the popular Pasar Bisik Kuala Muda (whispering fish auction market) in Penaga here following a seven-day closure notice.
Checks at the site this morning showed that it was deserted with minimal activity being carried at the market in the fishing village of Kuala Muda. The crowd was barely noticeable.
The Pasar Bisik Kuala Muda Penaga fishermen unit was busy updating the guidelines and procedures making sure everything complies to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council.
Policemen were seen keeping a close watch over the situation on the ground.
Seberang Prai Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said there would be police presence at the market to ensure people abide by the SOPs.
"Based on our observation, everyone seems to be abiding by the closure notice. The sales activities along the coast is also under control.
"We believe the fishermen are now planning and coming out with measures to promote SOP compliance at the market," he said when met.
It was reported that fish auction market had been slapped with a closure order due to failure among traders to adhere to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) SOPs.
A seven-day closure notice effective today (June 2) 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 absence of these measures had also led to overcrowding at the premises.
Meanwhile, Kuala Muda Village Community Management Council chairman Yahya Ismail said they were looking for amicable solutions in ensuring all fishermen, middlemen and customers comply with the SOPs.
Among others, he said, the number of middlemen and customers allowed to be in the market would be limited to 14 at any one time.
"We are working towards minimising the overcrowing issue since the market has limited space.
"Besides that, we will conduct body temperature checks and put in place a contact tracing system. Steps will be taken to implement the one-meter social distancing requirement inside the premises, besides providing hand sanitisers," he said, adding that a notice on the measures to be taken would be put up for all to see.
