PUTRAJAYA, April 21 — The four-day closure of the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market, which begins today, is to pave the way for sanitisation exercise, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the exercise is to ensure traders, wholesalers and customers are not infected with the Covid-19 virus while in the area.
“The closure is not 14 days as those under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) areas, but only for four days so that we can carry out disinfection operation,” he told a news conference after attending the National Security Council (MKN) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here today.
He also said that there would not be any shortages of perishable goods following the closure of the market as members of the public can still get their supply at nearby wet markets.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri reminded members of the media to always adhere to recommendations and advice from the Health Ministry (MOH) when carrying out their duties in the areas under the EMCO.
“If the MOH said (you) need to be at a distance of 300 metres, then you must be at 300 metres away. We want to ensure your health. We all love media practitioners,” he said.
Ismail Sabri was responding to unhappiness expressed by some members of the media after they were ordered to remain between 200 and 300 metres away from the area while covering news events.
To another question on allegations that workers were forced by their employers to take a six-month unpaid leave, Ismail Sabri said he would raise the issue with the Ministry of Human Resources and to look at relevant laws.
Meanwhile, he called on Ramadan bazaar organisers to refund the deposit to traders as no Ramadan bazaars are allowed to operate this year.
— Bernama
