Covid-19: Selayang market workers urged to get tested but no closure

CORONAVIRUS | Migrant workers at the Selayang Wholesale Market who attended a recent religious gathering at a mosque in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, were told to get tested for Covid-19.

This is after the Selayang business community learnt that some of the workers or illegal traders at the market might have attended the tabligh event.

According to a notice sighted by Malaysiakini, the Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesaler Association urged its members to send their staff for health screenings.

"The association was told that more than 200 Muslims who hailed from the surrounding areas of the market attended the tabligh gathering.

"As such, we hope that the workers who participated in the gathering get tested for Covid-19 or undertake self-quarantine," the notice stated.

It is believed that the migrant workers have not gone for a health screening after the tabligh event.

A source close to the association said about 5,000 foreign workers were working illegally and hired by 448 seafood, fruit and vegetable wholesalers, or selling goods at the wholesale market without proper travel documentation.

This included Rohingya refugees who have operated at the market for years without licences.

While noting the concern of the business community, the source, however, said so far no Covid-19 positive cases have been reported.

"Fear will do no good. We will need to take extra precautions. It will be good if the government brings a team of health officers to conduct medical checks," said the source.

"I noticed only 10 per cent of the wholesalers and workers wear masks," he said.

There was speculation that migrant workers and refugees from the Selayang market also attended the tabligh gathering.

Earlier today, a message of a woman urging people to buy food went viral on social media as she claimed that the Selayang market will be closed for two weeks starting from tomorrow. 

When contacted, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said it was not true.

"I have spoken with the wholesaler association and the viral message on social media is untrue," he said.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Nor Hisham A Dahlan also denied the closure of the country's biggest wholesale market which operates 24/7.

"There is no instruction for the wholesale market to shut down. That was fake news," said Nor Hisham in a text message.

The recent sharp increment of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia had sparked fear and panic-buying for essential goods. 

As of noon today, 553 Covid-19 positive cases were recorded.