SIBU: The weekly market at Taman Indah Market, Teku was deserted today perhaps due to fear and concern caused by the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.
This followed the case of four Covid-19-positive Indonesian women, who were dropped off at a bus stop near the place, thus scaring shoppers away.
It has also caused many traders to not run their business as usual.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh said only 37 traders appeared to carry out their business today out of the usual 115 traders.
“I have visited the market this morning and found that the trader’s worries and fears had caused them to not run their trade today due to the news about the four Indonesian women,” he said today.
“As usual, there were a lot of guest hawkers who came to the market. But visitors who came to market were less. Traders asked me, what else can they do? I told them, I also do not know because this incident is beyond our expectations let alone it just happened few days ago.”
Ting explained that it is important for everyone to adapt to the strict SOPs to protect themselves from infection.
“We should be vigilant no matter where we are. What is important, we must be firm about our own personal SOP,” he said.
Following the issue, Ting said that his party will not take action against the traders who did not come down to run their business this week and next week.
“We understand why they choose to not run their businesses. Therefore, I think the council will consider this matter for this week and next week. In addition, there were fewer visitors this morning,” he told adding that the SMC will monitor the market situation from time to time.
Ting added that the Sibu Division Health Department will also continue to hold a PCR swab test at the market for two days and it is free.
“I would like to remind everyone to adhere to the SOPs to take care of their own health as we are not able to prevent this pandemic. Personal safety is very important for us to stop this spread.
“I know the locals in the Teku area are all worried. If possible, do not leave the house if there is nothing important,” he added.
