Hawkers, traders told to abide by directives

Several trader associations are urging their members to comply with the nationwide movement control order imposed by the government from yesterday until March 31, to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Among others, all business premises have been ordered to close except for supermarkets, wet markets, grocery stores and convenience stores selling daily necessities.

Bukit Bintang Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairperson See Foo Hoong said traders should unite in fighting against Covid-19 by observing the order to help reduce further spread of the virus infection.

"In Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang the traders have closed their premises as requested by the government. I hope all traders are aware that this a joint responsibility," he told Bernama when contacted today.

According to reports, some traders are defying the order which was imposed under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, and are conducting business as usual.

The directives state that food outlets may remain open but only for takeaway and delivery through certain companies such as Grab Food and Food Panda.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association secretary Mohamad Zamri Mohammed, while calling on traders to accept the situation that the country and the whole world were going through said, the move taken by certain groups to continue with their business was only temporary.

"I am sure they do not mean to protest or defy the order but were taken aback as this is something new and everything happened suddenly. Of course, they are worried over the loss of income,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur Bumiputera Traders and Hawkers Association president Rosli Sulaiman called on the authorities to speed up in giving out cash assistance to traders especially hawkers who have been badly affected by the order.

"These hawkers earn just enough for their daily needs. It is devastating for them to close shop for two weeks,” he added. — Bernama