KUCHING: The Pasar Tamu (jungle produce market) and night market in Bintulu are temporarily closed, said Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said the decision was made by the Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) in view of the current Covid-19 outbreak in the area.
“The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Bintulu has to do with a new area, namely the Pasar Tamu. With that, we have to put the area under lockdown starting Feb 6.
“We will also instruct the Health Department to conduct a Covid-19 screening. I hope everyone involved will be prepared,” he told a press conference at Bintulu Resident office on Saturday (Feb 6).
Dr Rundi said Bintulu DDMC has identified Pasar Tamu Bintulu as a high-risk area and also did not rule out the possibility that there may be links to the night market, which was also temporarily closed starting today (Feb 7).
The Kemena assemblyman said in this regard, all hawkers registered with the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) are urged to cooperate with Bintulu DDMC and the Health Ministry for the Covid-19 screening.
Also present during the press conference were Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat, Bintulu Health Officer Dr Melvin Chung and Bintulu police chief Supt Zulkipli Suhaili.
